US President Donald Trump has welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for high-level talks expected to focus on trade, artificial intelligence, technology and security, as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions between the two major powers.
Xi arrived at the White House on Thursday and was received by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, with the two leaders exchanging handshakes and posing for photographs before proceeding for bilateral discussions.
Trump said the United States and China have made what he described as “tremendous strides” on issues affecting their relationship, adding that both sides would continue working together.
He said the discussions would include efforts towards a more balanced trading relationship, including increased market access for American farmers and ranchers.
According to Trump, security, technology and what he referred to as “super intelligence” would also feature prominently in the talks.
“We’re very proud of it, and the relationship,” Trump said while describing the ties between the two countries.
Xi, in his remarks, called for sustained dialogue and greater cooperation between Washington and Beijing, acknowledging differences between the two countries while stressing their shared interests.
“China and the US are different, but through candid, in-depth and continued dialogue, our two countries can understand each other better and build up mutual trust,” Xi said.
He said the interests of the two countries were deeply intertwined and called for cooperation based on sincerity.
Xi also said Beijing was willing to work with Washington on trade and urged that Chinese companies operating in the United States be treated fairly.
On artificial intelligence, the Chinese president said the United States and China had a responsibility to develop the technology in a manner that benefits people and remains under human control.
He also called for healthy competition between the two countries, describing it as a process of learning and catching up rather than simply determining who wins or loses.
As part of his remarks, Xi invited 100,000 young Americans to visit China for study exchange programmes over the next five years.
He also announced that two giant pandas would soon arrive at a zoo in Atlanta, describing the animals as part of the longstanding people-to-people friendship between China and the United States.
Xi referred to the history of Chinese and American troops fighting together during World War II, saying the shared experience remained an important part of the relationship between the two peoples.
He added that achieving the rejuvenation of China and making America great could proceed alongside one another.
Artificial intelligence is expected to be one of the major areas of discussion between Trump and Xi.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States should maintain its position in the global AI race and has opposed additional regulation that he believes could slow technological development.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump said “super intelligence” would be a major topic of discussion, while indicating that he wanted the existing regulatory approach maintained.
The two countries are competing for technological leadership in areas including artificial intelligence, advanced computing and other emerging technologies, making the issue an important part of their broader economic and strategic relationship.
The meeting comes after the United States and China agreed to extend a temporary truce in their trade dispute until January 10, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
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Trade remains one of the most sensitive areas in the relationship, with both countries having imposed tariffs and other restrictions on each other’s goods and technologies in recent years.
The talks are therefore expected to provide an opportunity for both leaders to discuss ways of managing outstanding trade issues while maintaining communication between Washington and Beijing.
Trump and Xi are also scheduled to attend a state dinner later in the day, where US and Chinese officials, alongside technology executives and other business leaders, are expected to participate.
The White House meeting is Xi’s latest high-level engagement with Trump and comes amid continuing competition and negotiations between the world’s two largest economies.
