US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping began talks at the White House on Thursday, with trade, artificial intelligence, Iran and Taiwan among the key issues on the agenda as the two sides seek to stabilise strained relations.
The meeting comes during Xi’s three-day state visit to Washington, his first state visit to the US capital in more than a decade. Trump personally welcomed Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday in a rare planeside greeting.
The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of contentious issues, including trade irritants and AI safeguards, while Trump wants China to use its influence with Iran and Xi is seeking a halt to US arms sales to Taiwan, according to The Associated Press.
The US and China also agreed Wednesday to extend their fragile trade truce by two months, easing immediate pressure as the leaders hold high-level discussions.
Trump has been seeking to strengthen US economic and technological competitiveness, while China is looking to protect its interests in areas including trade and advanced technology.
Rare earth minerals are also expected to feature prominently in the broader economic discussions. China has significant control over supplies of the minerals, which are essential to products ranging from smartphones to advanced military equipment.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are also scheduled to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for economic and trade consultations.
Artificial intelligence is another major area of contention, with Washington and Beijing competing for technological leadership while discussing safeguards and the implications of rapid AI development.
The leaders are also expected to address the war in Iran and tensions over Taiwan, adding geopolitical issues to an already complicated bilateral agenda.
The talks are taking place amid broader efforts by both governments to prevent competition from escalating into a more serious confrontation.
Xi’s visit includes a formal state ceremony and dinner at the White House. He is also scheduled to return to the White House on Friday with his wife Peng Liyuan for a private tea with Trump and first lady Melania Trump before visiting the National Archives.
Xi last visited the United States for a state visit in September 2015, during the administration of President Barack Obama.
Trump visited China in May for talks with Xi.