Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump hailed a 'truly great friendship' with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- The visit includes discussions on pressing issues such as artificial intelligence and security.
- A state dinner and military inspection are part of the lavish welcome.
United States President Donald Trump praised his 'great friendship' with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a historic state visit to the White House. The visit, which began on Thursday, is marked by a series of ceremonial events and discussions on key global issues.
In a joint statement, Trump emphasized the mutual respect and shared interests between the two leaders, stating, 'President Xi and I have forged a friendship — a truly great friendship, actually — built on mutual respect and the vital interests of our people.'
The visit includes a range of high-profile events, including talks in the Oval Office and a grand state banquet. The state dinner, which will feature top US tech and AI company executives, is a significant part of the welcome, despite the absence of Chinese CEOs in the delegation.
During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss pressing issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) and security. Trump mentioned, 'During this visit, we will also discuss pressing issues concerning security, technology, and super intelligence — SI. The decisions we make in these areas today can promote peace and prosperity for decades and decades to come.'
The visit also includes a military inspection in the Rose Garden, a site recently renovated by Trump. The inspection will feature a military band and a flyover by US bombers, adding to the ceremonial nature of the event.
The programme concludes on Friday morning with a tea ceremony between the two presidential couples at the White House. The couple will then visit the National Archives, home to the US Declaration of Independence, marking the end of the state visit.
Trump had personally greeted Xi on the tarmac earlier, the first time in more than six decades that a US president has welcomed a foreign political leader at Joint Base Andrews near Washington. The visit is seen as a significant diplomatic gesture, despite earlier reports suggesting that the visit might be less eventful.
The focus on AI during the visit reflects growing concerns about the technology's potential risks and the need for international cooperation. Both leaders acknowledged the responsibility to develop and manage AI for the greater good, ensuring that its development remains under human control.
The visit is also expected to address the issue of Taiwan, with Trump's words likely to be closely watched for any signs of diminishing US support for the self-governing island claimed by China.
I thought it was a great little meeting, a great greeting, and I think they appreciate it.
Donald Trump, US President
We have both the capability and responsibility to develop and manage AI for good and ensure that the development of AI is always under human control.
Xi Jinping, Chinese President
