Trump praises “good trade deals” after meeting with China’s Xi

President Trump said on Friday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping made “good trade deals” during this week’s summit in Beijing, as both countries look to make the visit a success – and aim to keep their relationship on a stable level after last year’s trade war.

The leaders of the two powerful countries held a meeting and lunch at China’s throne – the Zhongnanhai Garden – on Friday morning local time, before Mr. Trump left China and returned to Washington. They meet to drink tea and wander through the hundred-year-old gardens, mostly for the ears of journalists.

In a brief speech in front of the cameras, Mr. Trump called the trip a “wonderful visit” and said “a lot of good came out of it.” He did not provide details on Friday about any trade agreements between the two countries, but the previous day, he said that China had agreed to buy American aircraft and agricultural products.

Outside of trade, Mr. Trump said the two leaders “feel very much the same in Iran,” and noted that both countries want the Strait of Hormuz – the main point through which 20% of the world’s oil usually passes – to be reopened.

Mr. Trump also said that Xi is expected to visit America in September.

“The relationship is very strong, and we have done some really good things,” the US president said.

The two presidents previously met in a closed-door session Thursday that lasted about two hours and 15 minutes, addressing topics such as trade, Iran and Taiwan. Mr. Trump described that meeting as “great.”

Mr. Trump told Fox News after Thursday’s official meeting that Xi said he would not provide Iran with military equipment, which the US president called a “big statement.” It remains to be seen if Xi follows through. Mr. Trump also told Fox News that Xi wants to help reopen the system The Strait of Hormuzclosed successfully. China is Iran’s biggest oil customer.

In commerce, Mr. Trump told Fox News on Thursday that China has agreed to buy Boeing planes and American soybeans.

Both countries are also looking to stabilize their economic relationship after last year’s trade war, in which both countries imposed tariffs of more than 100%. It is not clear whether the two sides are close to a comprehensive trade agreement, but the Trump administration is pushing for a Chinese commitment to buy American goods, and the US is looking to protect American access to minerals from China.

Number of senior business executives joined the presidential visit. Asked how the meetings went, Elon Musk said the discussions were “good” and they got “a lot of good things.” Apple’s Tim Cook gave the press a thumbs up.

According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Mr. Trump in Thursday’s meeting about “conflicts and conflicts” if The Taiwan problem “it is not handled well.” It was a strong warning, but the US did not mention Taiwan in its reading of the meeting. Mr. Trump and Xi ignore questions about Taiwan.

Taiwan is central to China’s interests, as it vows to regain control of the island and refuses to rule out using military force to achieve that goal. The US has opposed any unilateral change in Taiwan’s status, and has provided billions in military support to the island, but has a policy of not directly saying whether it will come to Taiwan’s defense if it is attacked by China.

A regional source confirmed to CBS News’ Margaret Brennan that China brought up Taiwan in Thursday’s talks. The US then acknowledged Beijing’s position and reiterated Washington’s point of view, and the discussion moved on to the next topic. A senior administration official told CBS News’ Sara Cook that both sides have reiterated their positions on the issue for a long time and everyone understands the other’s position.

Xi greeted Mr. Trump for an elaborate state visit, including a state dinner featuring an instrumental version of “YMCA,” one of the president’s favorite songs. At the party, Mr. Trump said he invited Xi and his wife to visit the White House on September 24.

Mr Trump is not expected to hold a press conference with reporters before leaving Beijing, although he is always likely to answer questions on the plane.

The US president had planned to visit China earlier this spring, but cited the war with Iran as a reason to postpone.