US and China must act as responsible powers together, Xi says as Trump toasts friendship at state dinner

"We agreed to build a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability," Xi said, adding that the two shared "sincere and in-depth exchanges" that would strengthen relations between the two countries.Like Trump's, Xi's remarks were heavy on flattery, focusing on cultural ties and shared history between the US and China.The relationship between the two countries was "forged in blood and fire" during the fight against Japan in World War Two, before being furthered during the "ping pong" diplomacy of the Nixon administration, he said.Towards the end of his speech, Xi said the US and China's goals could be "mutually reinforcing". He urged both sides to explore a "new approach for major countries to get along".Getty ImagesMusk was seen mingling with guests, alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio When the BBC entered the dining hall for the dinner, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was standing over a table and appeared to be telling an entertaining story that had two others nearby barreled over with laughter.Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was at another table, with a serious look on his face. His wife is sat beside him, with Jared Kushner and White House chief of staff Monica Crowley nearby.The White House invited scores of US officials, as well as conservative broadcasters, tech industry bosses, social media CEOs and other corporate executives.