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The two leaders visited one of Beijing's most important historical monuments, in a meeting with political, cultural and economic messages.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping visited the Temple of Heaven together in Beijing, in a meeting filled with political and historical symbolism. The US president said that "China is beautiful" as the two leaders climbed the steps of the monumental complex, which is located about seven kilometers south of the Forbidden City.
The temple was built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, under the orders of the Yongle Emperor, the same ruler who built the imperial palace in Beijing. Originally known as the Temple of Heaven and Earth, the complex was expanded in the 16th century and given its current name. In 1998, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
Surrounded by centuries-old pine and cypress trees, the Temple of Heaven is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Chinese capital. Beijingers use the park for tai chi, chess and dancing, while in the past Chinese emperors held sacred rituals there and prayed for bountiful harvests under the blue-tiled roof of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.
Xi and Trump's visit to this historic site comes at a time when both sides are seeking concrete results from a summit of high political and economic importance.
For the Chinese president, choosing the Temple of Heaven as a venue conveys messages about China's historical continuity and cultural depth. Beijing-based historian Lars Ulrik Thom said the backdrop "shows Donald Trump and the world that China has existed for thousands of years and remains present."
For Trump, the symbolism is also tied to the economy and agricultural trade. American exports of soybeans, other agricultural crops and meat remain a priority for American farmers seeking greater access to the Chinese market.
This is not the first time Xi Jinping has used China's historical monuments in diplomacy with a US president. In 2017, Xi and his wife offered Donald and Melania Trump a private tour of the Forbidden City, the former residence of Chinese emperors.
Analysts are watching to see whether Xi will again try to create a ceremonial and grandiose atmosphere to positively influence relations with the American leader, known for his preference for spectacle and strong political symbolism.
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