Several U.S. business leaders recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss the importance of closer ties between the two largest economies in the world. The meeting, which consisted of all male attendees, took place as the relationship between the U.S. and China has been improving over the past several years.

Xi Jinping stressed that the relationship between the two countries is mutually beneficial, even though there has been pushback from the U.S. regarding the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. Notable attendees at the meeting included Blackstone founder Stephen Schwarzman, Qualcomm President and CEO Cristiano Amon, Bloomberg Chair Mark Carney, and FedEx President Rajesh Subramaniam.

Despite China’s economic struggles in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xi Jinping mentioned that the country is once again contributing to global economic growth. He emphasized that the Sino-U.S. relationship is crucial on a global scale and affects the well-being of both nations and the future of mankind.

The meeting between Xi Jinping and U.S. business leaders follows a previous meeting between Xi and President Biden in San Francisco last November. This suggests a positive trend in relations between the two countries. As other members of the Biden administration plan to host meetings with top Chinese leaders, it is evident that efforts are being made to strengthen ties between the U.S. and China.

Trade and tariffs between the U.S. and China have been subjects of concern in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election in November. It is anticipated that President Biden may face a rematch against former President Trump, who has expressed admiration for Xi Jinping and other authoritarian leaders. Xi Jinping remains optimistic about the potential for improved relations between China and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of partnership and mutual respect for positive outcomes.