By Paul Joseph
US President Donald Trump has welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House as the two leaders begin high-level discussions on trade, artificial intelligence, technology and security.
Xi arrived at the White House on Thursday and was received by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump before the leaders proceeded to talks with their respective officials.
Welcoming the Chinese president, Trump said Washington and Beijing had made “tremendous strides” in addressing issues affecting their relationship.
He said both sides would continue working together while pursuing what he described as a more balanced trading relationship, including greater market access for American farmers and ranchers.
Trump also listed security, technology and what he called “super intelligence” among the major issues expected to feature in the discussions.
“We’re very proud of it, and the relationship,” Trump said of the US-China relationship.
Xi, on his part, called for continued dialogue and cooperation, saying the differences between China and the United States should not prevent the two countries from building mutual trust.
“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.
The Chinese president described the interests of both countries as “deeply intertwined” and urged Washington and Beijing to cooperate with sincerity.
Xi also called for fair treatment of Chinese companies operating in the United States and said Beijing was prepared to cooperate with Washington on trade.
Xi Invites 100,000 Americans to China
Xi announced an invitation for 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 symbols of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.
Referencing the history of Chinese and American cooperation during World War II, Xi said the shared experience remained part of the relationship between the two nations.
He said the goals of achieving the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great could progress alongside each other.
AI Emerges as Key Issue
Artificial intelligence is expected to occupy a significant part of the discussions as Washington and Beijing compete for technological leadership.
Trump has repeatedly called for the United States to maintain its lead in AI development and has opposed additional regulations that he believes could restrict technological progress.
Ahead of Xi’s visit, Trump said “super intelligence” would be a major subject of discussion, while indicating his preference for maintaining the current regulatory approach.
The two countries are also competing across advanced computing and other emerging technologies, making technological development an increasingly important element of their broader economic relationship.
Trade Tensions Remain
The White House 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.
Trade tensions between the two countries have involved tariffs and restrictions affecting goods, technology and market access.
The latest talks are expected to provide an opportunity for both governments to address outstanding trade issues while maintaining communication between Washington and Beijing.
Trump and Xi are also expected to attend a state dinner later in the day alongside senior US and Chinese officials, technology executives and other business leaders.
The meeting represents another major diplomatic engagement between the leaders as the world’s two largest economies seek to manage their economic and technological competition while keeping channels of dialogue open.
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