The video was recorded during a state banquet hosted by China for US President Donald Trump in Beijing on 14/5. The short footage shows the US leader leaning over to flip through a document on the table as Chinese President Xi Jinping left his seat.
The video quickly went viral across social media, garnering millions of views. Numerous news outlets also shared the footage, commenting that President Trump was "secretly checking" President Xi's notes.
However, US media quickly clarified the situation. On 15/5, CNN reported that the notebook President Trump opened belonged to him, bearing the US presidential seal on its cover. Moments later, the US leader carried that same notebook to the podium for his address.
The moment mistakenly interpreted as President Trump "secretly checking President Xi's notes" during a state banquet. Video: CNN
During his speech at the state banquet, President Trump characterized US-China relations as "one of the most important relationships" in world history.
He noted that the values of Confucius were admired by America's founding fathers. Benjamin Franklin, for example, published Confucius's maxims in his newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette, in 1737.
The President also highlighted Confucius's portrait, carved on the frieze of the US Supreme Court, alongside Moses and Solon. These figures symbolize three major civilizations that contributed to shaping Western legal systems.
Meanwhile, President Xi reflected on the legacy of "ping-pong diplomacy" from the 1970s, characterizing Beijing-Washington relations as "the most important bilateral relationship in the world". He also connected the leadership philosophies of both nations, asserting that achieving "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again" can be pursued concurrently.
Ngoc Anh (Source: CNN, Newsweek)
