Trump makes toast to 'special relationship' between U.S. and China at state banquet in Beijing

President Trump raising his glass during his address at a state banquet in Beijing.

President Donald Trump spoke a state banquet in Beijing on Thursday and near the end of his speech made a toast celebrating what he described as a 'special relationship' between the U.S. and China that goes all the way back to America's founding. Trump is in Beijing for a summit meeting with his Chinese counterpart, president Xi Jinping. 

During Trump's speech, which lasted about 10 minutes, he touched on the two countries' intertwined histories and aspects of American culture that have crossed over and gained popularity in China, and Chinese food, which has become ubiquitous across the United States.

"From the beginning, our citizens have shared a deep sense of mutual respect. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin published The Sayings of Confucius in his colonial newspaper, and today a sculpture recognizing that ancient Chinese sage is carved into the face of the United States Supreme Court very proudly," Trump said. He paused throughout the speech as an interpreter translated his remarks to those in attendance.

To emphasize his point about China's cultural impact on the U.S., Trump said, "Chinese restaurants in America today outnumber the five largest fast food chains in the United States all combined." The president also drew parallels between how the people of the two nations value similar objectives in life. 

"The American and Chinese people share much in common. We value hard work. We value courage and achievement. We love our families, and we love our countries," Trump said. He encouraged further cooperation between the two countries, saying the two should "draw on these values, to create a future of greater prosperity, cooperation and happiness and peace for our children."

After striking a hopeful tone, the president concluded with a toast that focused on diplomacy. "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."

Indeed, the Chinese acknowledged Trump's own cultural leanings by having the Chinese military band at the state banquet serenade him with a rendition of one of his favorite songs -- "YMCA" by the Village People. Trump's visit to China is the first by a U.S. president since 2017 when Trump visited during his first term. 

Watch Trump's speech in its entirety below.