Trump offers friendly words in Beijing while Xi issues cautionary warning

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony with US President Donald Trump, left, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (Maxim Shemetov/Pool Photo/AP)

US President Donald Trump began his trip to Beijing on Thursday by telling Xi Jinping “it’s an honour to be your friend,” even as his Chinese counterpart offered a cautionary warning about avoiding a possible clash between the two nations.

The stark contrast in tone underscored just how far apart the leaders remain on thorny issues, including the war in Iran, trade disputes and Washington’s relationship with Taiwan — and suggested their meetings are likely to be longer on pageantry and symbolism than major breakthroughs.