Chinese president Xi Jinping stresses U.S.-China cooperation in meeting with Bill Gates

Tensions between the U.S. and China have festered in recent years, but recently the two sides have held talks on trade and other issues

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said the United States and China can cooperate to “benefit our two countries” in a meeting Friday with Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates ahead of a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a time of strained relations.

The state broadcaster CCTV showed Mr. Xi saying he was happy to see Mr. Gates, who he called an “old friend,” after three years without meeting during the pandemic.

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“I believe that the foundation of Sino-U.S. relations lies in the people,” Mr. Xi said to Mr. Gates. “Under the current world situation, we can carry out various activities that benefit our two countries, the people of our countries, and the entire human race.”

Mr. Xi gave no details but emphasized the potential benefits of cooperation that has been hampered by disputes over human rights, Taiwan, security and technology. Mr. Gates told Mr. Xi he was “very honored” to meet with Mr. Xi.

The visits by leading foreign business people have coincided with efforts by the ruling Communist Party to revive investor interest in China’s slowing economy. Apple CEO Tim Cook visited China in March.

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