Palm Beach, Fla.
Speaking to reporters after greeting Xi at the airport, Tillerson said the U.S. side would press the Chinese delegation to “find ways to exercise influence on North Korea’s actions to dismantle their nuclear weapons and their missile technology program.”
“China can be part of a new strategy to end North Korea’s reckless behavior and ensure security, stability and economic prosperity in Northeast Asia,” Tillerson added.
Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, greeted Xi with a handshake as the Chinese leader and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived at the resort for a series of bilateral talks, and a fancy opening night dinner with Trump and his top aides.
Trump arrived aboard Air Force One shortly after Xi.
While flying, Trump told reporters on the plane that he believes “China will be stepping up” to deal more firmly with Pyongyang.
On trade, Trump reiterated his long-standing grievance over a large U.S. trade deficit to China.
“We have been treated unfairly and have made terrible trade deals with China for many, many years,” he said. “That’s one of the things we are going to be talking about.”
The unorthodox location of the summit is intended to lessen the formality of the first meeting between the two leaders, White House aides said, and help establish a working relationship between Trump and Xi after tension during the U.S. election season.
Xi will spend just over 24 hours here, including a working lunch on Friday, officials said. Xi and the Chinese delegation will not stay overnight at the resort but rather at a nearby hotel.