Trump Hosts Xi As US, China Seek To Ease Tensions

US President Donald Trump is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on Thursday as the two leaders seek to stabilise relations between the world’s two largest economies amid tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan and Iran. 

Xi arrived in Washington on Wednesday for his first US state visit in more than a decade and received a rare personal welcome from Trump at Joint Base Andrews. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on the tarmac before a military band played the national anthems. 

The Chinese leader’s Thursday programme includes a formal welcome ceremony at the White House, a military flyover, talks with Trump and a state dinner. The visit will conclude on Friday with tea at the White House and a visit to the National Archives. 

The high-profile reception comes as Washington and Beijing attempt to preserve a fragile economic détente following years of escalating trade tensions.

The two countries have already agreed to extend their existing trade truce, which had been due to expire in November. The extension is expected to give negotiators additional time to work towards a broader agreement. 

Trade, tariffs and access to critical minerals are expected to feature prominently in the discussions, alongside the growing competition between the two countries in artificial intelligence.

The leaders are also expected to discuss the conflict involving Iran, as Washington remains concerned about Beijing’s economic and diplomatic ties with Tehran. Taiwan is another sensitive issue, with China continuing to claim the self-governing island as part of its territory. 

Xi called for cooperation shortly after arriving in Washington, saying China and the United States should be “partners rather than rivals,” according to Chinese state media.

Trump, meanwhile, has described his relationship with Xi positively and said several issues would be discussed during the summit, including Iran.

The state dinner is expected to bring together senior figures from major US technology companies, highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence and technological competition in the broader US-China relationship.