US President Donald Trump, who is on a state visit to China, called Chinese President Xi Jinping a "great leader" in his opening remarks when holding talks with Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.

He also highlighted the high-level American business delegation accompanying him, describing their presence as a gesture of respect toward China and its leader. "It's an honor to be your friend and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before," Trump said.