Why is the National Archives the last stop on Xi and Trump’s summit itinerary?
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to the US will conclude not at the diplomatic negotiating table, but in front of America’s founding documents. After morning tea in the White House Red Room, US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania will take Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on a tour of the National Archives, the home of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and other texts that…
Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to the United States will culminate at the National Archives, the hallowed repository of America's founding documents. Following tea in the White House, President Trump and his wife Melania will accompany Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on a tour of the National Archives, where they will also peruse a selection of historically significant records and documents that have shaped the relationship between the two nations.
For Trump, a visit to the archive symbolizes American resilience amidst a tense rivalry with China across trade, technology, and global influence. From Xi's perspective, the archives tour underscores the intricate tapestry of cooperation, competition, and coexistence between China and the US over the past two centuries. Yuanchong Wang, a historian at the University of Delaware, notes that the timing of the visit coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, likely adding symbolism to the event.
The neoclassical National Archives Building, situated between the US Capitol and the White House, serves as the epicenter of American civic life. Within its marble halls, the Emancipation Proclamation and other historic texts are displayed, while its archives contain millions of pages chronicling the shared history of both countries.
Records from World War II, such as those pertaining to US Army Forces in the China-Burma-India Theatre, are housed at the College Park, Maryland facility. Additionally, the archives hold key documents from pivotal moments in US-China relations, including the 1972 Shanghai Communique, the 1979 Joint Communique, and the 1982 August 17 Communique, which have all played crucial roles in shaping bilateral ties.
The archives also preserve early Chinese immigrant documents, shedding light on the community's foundation and resilience.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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