China Spread Photos of Xi Jinping in Front of Golden Gate Bridge 38 Years Ago... Expectations for US Visit

Introduction to the Relationship Since the First Visit to the US in 1985
Expectations Rise for US-China Talks... US Ahead of Presidential Election is 'Uncertain'

As Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the United States for the first time in over six years for the US-China summit, Chinese media are highlighting Xi's ties with the US to foster a 'friendly atmosphere.'

Photo of President Xi Jinping Taken in Front of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1985 Released... Chinese Media Creating a 'Friendly Atmosphere in US-China Relations'

A young Xi Jinping, President of China, posing for a commemorative photo in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA, in 1985.
[Photo by Baidu capture]

On the 15th, major Chinese media outlets such as China Central Television (CCTV) and portals like Baidu drew attention by reporting a photo of Xi Jinping in his 30s visiting San Francisco in April 1985, his first visit to the US, taken in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. At the time, he was the Party Secretary of Zhengding County, Hebei Province, and was leading a delegation to Muscatine, Iowa, to experience American agricultural and livestock technology. On the way, he first visited San Francisco and took this photo.

A Beijing historian explained, "At the time, US-China relations were rapidly warming following the establishment of diplomatic ties, and it was a common wish among the 'Hong Er Dai' (second-generation revolutionary leaders) to take a photo in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is likely why Xi chose San Francisco as his first US destination."

Additionally, the Communist Party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, published a report on social media titled "The Story of Xi Jinping and His American Friends (Youin)." The report introduced the connections and behind-the-scenes stories between President Xi and Americans from 1985 to the present, accompanied by photos.

The report began with Xi's statement: "The foundation of China-US relations lies with the people. Hope lies with the people, the future with the youth, and vitality with the localities."

It is said that during the 2-night, 3-day visit to experience livestock technology, Xi stayed at the home of a local couple, who warmly welcomed him, and he actively interacted with the locals.

Because of this connection, when he visited the US as Vice President in 2012, he did not forget these "old friends" in Iowa and revisited Muscatine. The media reported that Xi told the residents he met again after 27 years, "You are America to me."

In May last year, he also sent a letter to Sarah Land, an Iowa state official who coordinated his trip schedule, emphasizing that "friendship between our peoples is an important foundation for the development of bilateral relations."

It is also known that during this visit to the US, Xi invited the Iowa residents he befriended at that time to the APEC dinner.

Local media also introduced the long-standing relationship between Microsoft (MS) founder Bill Gates and Xi Jinping.

Bill Gates first visited China in 1994 at age 39 and has visited several times since. In 2015, he met Xi Jinping at MS headquarters when Xi visited the US. Even amid intense US-China tensions, Xi showed respect to his longtime friend by holding a private meeting with Bill Gates, who visited China in June this year.

Xi Jinping Likely to Discuss Corporate Contracts to Attract Investment and Strengthen Economic Cooperation... Biden's Reaction 'Uncertain'

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft (MS).
[Photo by People's Daily SNS]

There are expectations that Xi Jinping will unveil a 'bundle of gifts' aimed at attracting investment and strengthening economic cooperation during his visit to the US.

Xi is scheduled to have a dinner with representatives of American companies immediately after the US-China summit. According to sources in Beijing's business circles, hundreds of attendees are expected, including heads of major US companies such as Apple, Qualcomm, Visa, FedEx, and Pfizer. It is possible that contracts between US and Chinese companies will be discussed at this event.

On the 13th, major foreign media also reported that the Chinese government is considering a plan to commit to purchasing Boeing's '737 Max' aircraft during Xi Jinping's visit to the US.

However, with the US presidential election next year and President Biden mindful of public criticism of China, and Xi Jinping's distrust of the US, analysts say the possibility of a dramatic agreement at this summit is low.

One foreign media outlet analyzed, "The greatest achievement of the US-China summit will be to prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations," adding, "The two countries will likely only reach agreements on a few key areas of mutual interest."