Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping with lavish pageantry.
- The visit includes a military flyover, state banquet, and gift-giving ceremony.
- Despite the warm welcome, tensions remain over trade and other issues.
US President Donald Trump hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping with a day full of ceremonial events, aimed at setting a positive tone for their meeting.
On Wednesday, Trump personally greeted Xi on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, marking the first time in over six decades that a US president has welcomed a foreign leader at this location.
On Thursday, the formal welcome continued with a military flyover, talks in the Oval Office, and a grand state banquet, designed to showcase the friendly relations between the two nations.
Trump stated on social media that both sides agreed no new controls were needed on artificial intelligence, using his new term 'Super Intelligence (SI)' for AI.
In another post, Trump praised Xi, saying he looked 'strong, vibrant, and fit,' addressing recent health rumors about the Chinese leader.
Despite the warm welcome, the visit masks deep tensions, including the ongoing trade war and Beijing's support for Iran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a two-month extension of the trade truce, aimed at avoiding a return to the trade war sparked by Trump's global tariffs.
While Trump boasts of a 'great relationship' with Xi, few breakthroughs are expected, as their third meeting since Trump's return to power is focused on maintaining broader détente.
The program includes a military inspection in the Rose Garden and a gift-giving ceremony involving Trump's wife Melania and Xi's wife Peng Liyuan.
The state dinner will feature top US tech and AI company bosses, although Xi's delegation includes no CEOs, according to AFP reports.
I thought it was a great little meeting, a great greeting, and I think they appreciate it.
Donald Trump, US President
