President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House Thursday for a high-profile summit aimed at maintaining stability between the world’s two largest economies despite continuing disputes over trade, technology, Taiwan and Iran.
The meeting is the second between Trump and Xi this year following talks in Beijing in May. It is Xi’s first visit to Washington in more than a decade.
Trump personally greeted Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday evening, an unusual presidential welcome that underscored the importance attached to the visit. It was the first time in 11 years that a U.S. president greeted a foreign leader there, according to C-SPAN.
Major breakthroughs are not expected, but trade could produce tangible results. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the countries have agreed to extend until Jan. 10 a trade truce that had been scheduled to expire in November. The agreement has prevented a return to the trade war in which tariffs imposed by the two countries exceeded 100%.
The talks could also produce agreements involving tariffs, agricultural purchases, drug trafficking and expanded communication between the two countries’ militaries. China has been considering the purchase of 200 Boeing aircraft, although no additional order has been announced.
Artificial intelligence is another potential area for cooperation. U.S. and Chinese officials have discussed establishing safeguards or communications designed to prevent AI-related incidents from escalating into a broader confrontation.
Taiwan remains among the most difficult issues. China claims the self-governed island as its territory and is expected to press Trump to reduce or halt U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. U.S. allies in Asia are watching closely for any change in Washington’s support for Taipei.
Iran is also expected to be discussed. The Trump administration would like China, a major Iranian trading partner, to pressure Tehran, but Beijing has shown little indication it is prepared to do so.
Xi arrives at the talks with considerable economic leverage. China’s global trade remains strong, and its dominance of rare-earth mineral supplies gives Beijing influence over industries dependent on the materials.
Thursday’s events include an elaborate White House welcome and a state dinner attended by leading U.S. technology executives. The visit is scheduled to continue Friday.
Source: Reuters