President Donald Trump departed China on Friday after attending a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting highlighted the differing priorities of both nations and showed signs of improving stability in U.S.-China relations, although no major trade agreements were announced. Trump is now returning to Washington after a refueling stop in Alaska.
According to reports, Trump said Xi Jinping would gift roses for the White House Rose Garden. He also repeated that the Chinese president is expected to visit the United States in September.
Just hours after Trump left China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry called for an end to the Iran conflict.
A spokesperson for the ministry said, “There is no point in continuing this conflict, which should never have started in the first place. Reaching an early resolution is in the interest of not only the United States and Iran, but also regional countries and the wider world.”
Meanwhile, John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba on Thursday for meetings with officials amid ongoing diplomatic discussions.
Cuba’s top diplomat in the United States, Lianys Torres Rivera, said the talks have made “no progress” so far. She added that despite warnings from Trump about possible action against Cuba, her country remains firm on its position.
Separately, Friday marks the end of Jerome Powell’s four-year term as Chair of the Federal Reserve.
A relatively quiet day is expected on Capitol Hill, though Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to testify on the Army budget amid the ongoing tensions involving Iran.
