According to SCMP, Mr. Trump's speech was made while the US and China are considering holding a summit in April to find a solution to the prolonged trade tensions.
Speaking at a meeting at the John F. Kennedy Center, where he has just taken over as Chairman of the Board of Directors after sacking members appointed by the Joe Biden administration, Trump stressed the need to improve the appearance of the US capital.
It looks really bad here, the roads are old, broken and ugly, Trump said, reiterating his desire to clean up Washington, eliminate tents for homeless people and graffiti ahead of Mr. Xi Jinpings visit.
According to SCMP, Trump once wanted to invite Xi Jinping to Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where they met in 2017. However, Beijing has prioritized a more formal context, whether it is Washington or an invitation to Trump to China.
Immediately after taking office for his second term, Mr. Trump tightened tariffs on imports from China and expanded the tax on Mexico and Canada, citing trade imbalance, illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis.
China responds with 10-15% tariffs on US agricultural products and sanctions some US companies. Earlier this month, China's Foreign Ministry said: "If the US wants war - whether it is tariffs, trade or any form - we are ready to fight to the end."
Despite these tensions, Mr. Trump still gave Mr. Xi Jinping a good message, calling the Chinese President a "friend" with whom he "had a very good relationship".
Mr. Trump also said that the US and China can "resolve all the world's problems together".
In addition to the summit that could take place in April, The Wall Street Journal revealed that officials of the two countries are discussing a meeting in June - the birth month of both leaders.
