Trump denied that he was under pressure to resolve the massive trade dispute between the world's two main economic powers, saying "I don't think I need it before the election" in 2020. Morrison, enjoying an unusually lavish reception from Trump, said he backed the US push to force China to reform on issues that include routine violation of foreign companies' intellectual property.
"We need to make sure that we all compete on the same playing field," he said. China can't have "special rules." Morrison's supportive stance contrasted with worries he expressed in June about smaller economies suffering collateral damage in the US-China standoff and the global system coming "under real pressure."
Meeting on the South Lawn under clear blue skies, Trump promised Morrison that a state dinner later will "be quite something." In a shift from tradition, the meal was being staged outdoors in the Rose Garden. Earlier, Morrison and his wife were greeted with an honor guard, military band and 19 gun salute to celebrate what Trump called their countries' "unbreakable bond."
"Australians and Americans understand each other like few other peoples," Morrison replied to Trump, adding that he and the Republican had also "established a very early understanding." This was only the second state-level visit granted under Trump and the first for an Australian premier here since John Howard in 2006.
In addition to Friday's festivities, Morrison and Trump are due to reunite Sunday for a visit at a new Australian-owned factory in Wapakoneta, Ohio, that the White House says will "demonstrate the strong trade and investment relationship." Trump's relations with the previous Australian premier, Malcolm Turnbull, got off to a bad start. But Morrison has already cemented his place in a growing conservative club - also including the likes of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson - drawn into Trump's orbit.