President Xi Jinping on Thursday told US counterpart Donald Trump that while the two countries did not always see eye to eye, they should strive to be "partners and friends".

Kicking off highly-anticipated talks in the South Korean city of Busan, Xi said “China and the US can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world."

Xi acknowledged differences between the two economic giants, but stressed that he and Trump should guide the direction of bilateral ties, and work together.

“It is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then,” Xi said.

“And in the face of wind, waves and challenges, you and I, at the helm of China-US relations, should stay the right course and ensure the steady sailing forward of the giant ship of China-US relations.”

President Xi added that China's development does not contradict Trump’s vision of "Making America Great Again".

“Our two countries are fully able to help each other succeed and prosper together.

“Over the years, I have stated in public many times that China and the United States should be partners and friends. This is what history has taught us and what reality demands,” Xi said.

The president said he was ready to continue working with Trump to build a solid foundation for China-US relations and create a sound atmosphere for the development of both countries.

Trump, for his part, said President Xi is a great leader of a great country, with whom he expects to have a “fantastic relationship for a long period of time.”

Earlier, while the two leaders were shaking hands, Trump said “We are going to have a very successful meeting, I have no doubt. But he is a very tough negotiator," adding that the pair might sign a trade deal on Thursday.

Trump has repeatedly expressed optimism about reaching agreement with Xi during the talks, taking place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, buoyed by a breakthrough in trade talks with South Korea on Wednesday. (Agencies)