Trump wraps widely-watched trip to China, departing on Air Force One after high-stakes Xi meeting

Air Force One lifted off after U.S. President Donald Trump wrapped up his visit to China where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week.

The president spoke to the press aboard Air Force One, calling Xi “an incredible guy.”

Trump said Xi “feels very strongly” on the Taiwan issue, but noted, “I made no commitment either way.”

“But, you know, I think the last thing we need right now is a war that’s 9,500 miles away,” Trump later opined.

Trump indicated that Xi asked him whether he’d defend Taiwan. “I said, I don’t talk about that,” the U.S. president noted.

TRUMP SAYS CHINA’S XI JINPING OFFERED TO HELP END IRAN CONFLICT

Trump said that Xi “told me that would be a tough one,” regarding the possibility of releasing prisoner Jimmy Lai. “He said he’s gonna strongly consider the pastor,” Trump said, apparently referring to imprisoned Pastor Ezra Jin.

While in China, Trump publicly invited Xi to visit the White House on September 24, but while speaking to the press gaggle Trump mentioned “September, I guess 26 or 24th” when speaking about it.

Trump invited Xi to visit the US in September

While speaking at a banquet, President Donald Trump invited Xi and his wife to visit him at the White House later this year.

“And tonight it is my honor to extend an invitation to you and Madame Peng to visit us at the White House this September 24th, and we look forward to it,” he said.

Trump added, “I’d now like to raise a glass and propose a toast to the rich and enduring ties between the American and Chinese people. It’s a very special relationship,” he said.

The Iran conflict

The visit between the two leaders occurred amid the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran, as America continues to conduct a blockade against the Islamic Republic.

A White House release about a meeting between Xi and Trump read, in part, “The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy. President Xi also made clear China’s opposition to the militarization of the Strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use, and he expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China’s dependence on the Strait in the future. Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

“On Iran, it’s very interesting, he feels strongly they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said of Xi during the gaggle aboard Air Force One on the way back to the U.S. 

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.