President Donald Trump had some interesting talking points during his toast at the State Banquet with China’s President Xi Jinping.
Those topics included Chinese railroad workers and Chinese restaurants.
Trump is in China where he was greeted with pomp and circumstance to mark the occasion.
Trump spoke highly about his relationship with Xi at their first official meeting.
“You and I have known each other now for a long time. In fact, the longest relationship of our two countries that any president and president has had, and that’s, to me, an honor. We’ve had a fantastic relationship, Trump told Xi.
Trump then delivered a toast at the State Banquet in the Great Hall of the People.
His toast included cheerful references to the “Chinese workers” who helped build the transcontinental railroad. This was a brutal process for those workers that killed thousands. He also praised Americans for “spreading literacy” to China.
“Across the centuries, this mutual esteem grew into a relationship that reflected the tremendous talent and potential of our two people,” the president said.
“Chinese workers helped lay the railroad tracks that connected our Atlantic coast to the Pacific.
American travelers to China helped spread literacy and modern medicine,” he continued.
“And at the request of China’s ambassador, it was President Theodore Roosevelt who provided the funds to establish President Xi’s alma mater, Tsinghua University,” Trump said.
“As allies in World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt’s mentions of the brave people of China — that’s what they were — drew loud cheers and his speeches in the United States. And everybody loved what he had to say, just as many Chinese now love basketball and blue jeans,” Trump said.
Then, Trump talked about Chinese restaurants.
“Chinese restaurants in America today outnumber the five largest fast-food chains in the United States, all combined! That’s a pretty big statement!” Trump said. “This bond of commerce and respect that stretches back 250 years is the foundation for a future that benefits both of our nations.”
