Xi eyes on trust at Blair House

US President Barack Obama, left, chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they walk from the West Wing of the White House to a private dinner across the street at Blair House, in Washington, September 24, 2015. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

President Xi Jinping stated China's commitment to building greater trust with the US and foreign investors when he met with US President Barack Obama on Thursday evening at Blair House, the state guest house in Washington DC.

Amid the tranquil and ornate surroundings, the leaders met for three hours and exchanged views on major issues such as governance and the China-US relationship.

On the divergences between the two countries, Xi said "the common interests of the two countries way outnumber the differences, and bilateral cooperation has always been the mainstream".

"In the next stage, the two sides should continue reinforcing high-level exchanges, expand cooperation, properly tackle differences, better guide opinions, maintain the good momentum of the evolving ties and lay solid foundations for Chinese development in the longer term," Xi said.

Obama referred to "the Thucydides trap", a term coined to describe when a rising power causes fear in an established power.

The US leader said he does not agree with such a trap, and major countries - especially the US and China - should try their best to avoid areas that could result in conflict.

Obama voiced confidence that the two countries have the capacity to successfully manage and control differences, and said competition between the two should be constructive.

When touching upon China's reform and opening up, Xi said: "China's open door will never be closed, and enterprises from abroad will enjoy circumstances of greater openness, less restraint and stronger transparency when they are investing and prospering in China."