Landmark Xi-Trump summit beneficial for global stability: Int'l observers

International observers say the landmark summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing has brought new stability to the world and provided strategic guidance for bilateral relations between the world's two largest economies.

At the invitation of Xi, Trump paid a state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday, the first by a U.S. president since Trump's visit in 2017.

Before leaving Beijing on Friday, Trump said his state visit had captured the world's attention and described it as very successful and unforgettable. He also said he looks forward to hosting President Xi in Washington, D.C.

In their historic meeting on Thursday, Xi and Trump agreed on a new vision of building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability.

Xi said he has long believed that China and the U.S. have more common interests than differences, and a stable bilateral relationship is good for the world.

Canadian journalist Arnold August echoed Xi's remarks in an interview with China Media Group.

"As President Xi said, it's very favorable to have good relations between the United States and China. He himself mentioned that the situation has changed -- we are now in a multipolar world, and the chances are better for the United States and China to get together in a good relationship," he said.

Tan Kong Yam, emeritus professor of economics at the School of Social Sciences at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, highlighted the importance of stability In relations between China and the U.S.

"The phrase 'constructive strategic stability relationship' is very significant. For the world economy, even limited U.S.-China stabilization can reduce uncertainty, support investment, improve trade, calm currencies, and lower inflationary pressure," Tan said.

Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, a former Malaysian ambassador to China, welcomed the Xi-Trump summit as an encouraging development in global affairs.

"We see the visit of President Trump to China and the meeting with President Xi is a positive development in both terms. First, in terms of Sino-U.S. relations, and secondly, to the world. I think the meeting signals the realization of both parties for a stabilized relationship, which will then help global growth and also reduce geopolitical tensions, which is good for the world," Majid said.

A freight train and a bus collided in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday afternoon, killing at least eight people, local media reported.

At around 15:40, a train collided with a bus at a railway crossing in Ratchathewi District, triggering a fire accompanied by an explosion. Several other cars and motorcycles were also involved.

More than 20 people were injured, according to the Thai transport ministry, as rescuers rushed to the scene to put out the fire and carry out rescue operations.

Deputy Minister of Transport Siripong Angkasakulkiat said in an interview with Thai media that the bus had stopped at the railway crossing due to a red light, preventing the railway barrier from lowering. The freight train was too heavy to brake in time, leading to the collision.