Trump Says China Agreed to Buy 200 Boeing Jets at Beijing Summit

President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping toasted what they called enduring ties between their nations during a state banquet in Beijing on Thursday night, capping a day of ceremonies and talks that produced a commitment from China to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft.

Trump spoke warmly of the long record of U.S.-China contact, noting Benjamin Franklin’s publication of Confucian sayings and a Chinese gift honoring George Washington at the Washington Monument. He said the two peoples value hard work, family, and country, and he invited Xi to visit the United States on September 24. Xi described the visit as historic and urged the two sides to act as partners rather than rivals.

The Boeing pledge stood out as the clearest concrete result. Trump told Fox News that Xi had agreed to the order during their meetings, a development that would mark the first major Chinese purchase of American jets in nearly a decade. Boeing shares fell nearly 4 percent in afternoon trading even after the announcement, as analysts had expected a larger commitment of up to 500 aircraft.

The banquet itself mixed formality with lighter touches. A Chinese military band played “Y.M.C.A.,” one of Trump’s favored songs, along with “We Are the World” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Trump remarked on the popularity of blue jeans and basketball in China and noted that Chinese restaurants in the United States outnumber the five largest fast-food chains combined. He referred to Xi as a good friend.

Behind the pageantry, the two leaders addressed sharper issues. Xi warned that tensions over Taiwan could produce an “extremely dangerous situation.” The pair also discussed the ongoing conflict in Iran, with the White House indicating China offered some form of assistance on that front. Trade relations remained a central topic, though no broader agreement beyond the aircraft order was announced.

The visit marks Trump’s first full day of meetings in China during this trip, following a ceremonial welcome and more than two hours of bilateral discussions. American business executives, including Boeing’s CEO, accompanied the president. The aircraft deal revives a commercial relationship that has been quiet since China shifted many orders to European rival Airbus in recent years.

Trump framed the day’s events around mutual respect and future cooperation. Xi stressed the need to make the relationship work. Observers noted the contrast between the public warmth and the underlying strategic frictions that continue to shape both countries’ policies.