Washington: United States (US) President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on Thursday for talks aimed at maintaining stable relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump welcomed Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday evening. It was the first time in 11 years that a US president had personally received a foreign leader at the military airport.
The visit marks the second meeting between Trump and Xi this year and the Chinese president’s first trip to Washington in more than a decade.
In a statement carried by China’s official Xinhua news agency, Xi said Beijing and Washington should be partners rather than rivals and expressed hope for a more stable bilateral relationship.
Trade is expected to dominate the talks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said American and Chinese negotiators had agreed to seek an extension of their trade truce until January 10.
The two countries previously imposed tariffs exceeding 100 per cent during their trade confrontation before agreeing to suspend some measures. The current arrangement is due to expire in November.
Possible agreements could include reductions in selected tariffs, increased Chinese purchases of American agricultural products, action against drug trafficking and expanded communication between the two militaries.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has said announcements concerning agriculture and non tariff barriers are possible. Non tariff barriers are rules, licensing requirements or other restrictions that can make foreign goods more difficult to sell without directly imposing a tax.
China’s control over much of the global processing of rare earth minerals is another important part of the economic relationship. These minerals are used in smartphones, electric vehicles, computer chips, wind turbines and advanced defence equipment.
Washington has also restricted China’s access to some advanced computer chips and related technologies. Such export controls prevent companies from selling selected products abroad because of national security concerns.
Artificial intelligence is another possible area of discussion. American officials have proposed an emergency communication channel that could be used if an artificial intelligence related incident threatens economies, computer networks or military stability.
However, officials expect competition over artificial intelligence technology and advanced chips to continue.
Taiwan remains the most sensitive political issue. China considers the self governed island part of its territory and opposes US arms sales to Taipei. Washington maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and supplies defensive weapons.
Xi is expected to raise the matter during the visit, while US allies in Asia are watching for any change in Washington’s position.
The leaders may also discuss the war involving Iran and its effects on energy supplies and international trade. Reuters reported that China could offer diplomatic assistance, although Beijing has shown limited willingness to pressure Tehran publicly.
A state dinner will be held for Xi, with senior technology executives including Sam Altman, Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, Jeff Bezos and Jensen Huang among the expected guests.
