Donald Trump deflects Xi's 'declining nation' comment and claims US-China relations 'stronger than ever'

Trump has brushed aside Xi Jinping's 'declining nation' dig, insisting the Chinese leader was referring to Joe Biden's administration, as he says relations following the US-China talks are now 'stronger than ever before'. The US President took to Truth Social on Friday, May 15, asserting that remarks made by Xi were directed at a period when the country endured 'tremendous damage', prior to his return to the White House . "President Xi was not referring to the incredible rise that the United States has displayed to the world during the 16 spectacular months of the Trump Administration ," the US President boasted on his social media site. He posted: "When President Xi very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps being a declining nation, he was referring to the tremendous damage we suffered during the four years of Sleepy Joe Biden and the Biden Administration, and on that score, he was 100% correct. "Our Country suffered immeasurably with open borders, high taxes, transgender for everybody, men in women's sports, DEI, horrible trade deals, rampant crime, and so much more!" The US President went on to highlight what he considers 'successes' under his leadership, pointing to a "thriving relationship in Venezuela" and "the military decimation of Iran" which he added is "to be continued!". The post followed a two-hour high-stakes meeting on Thursday, during which Xi stated that "the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability" should the Taiwan question be "handled properly". The Chinese leader added: "Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy." Despite Xi's stark warning, Trump's early hours post claimed that the Chinese leader "congratulated me on so many tremendous successes in such a short period of time." He added: "Two years ago, we were, in fact, a Nation in decline. On that, I fully agree with President Xi! But now, the United States is the hottest Nation anywhere in the world, and hopefully our relationship with China will be stronger and better than ever before!"