Key Takeaways
- US President Donald Trump will take Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the National Archives.
- The visit is expected to highlight historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
- Both leaders discussed progress in trade and identified artificial intelligence as an area for cooperation.
US President Donald Trump is set to conclude his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping by taking him on a tour of the US National Archives on Friday. The visit, which follows a lavish state summit at the White House, is expected to emphasize the historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
During the Thursday summit, the focus was more on symbolism than substance, with no major breakthroughs in trade or other key areas. However, Trump highlighted progress under a bilateral trade mechanism, noting increased market access for US farmers and ranchers. Both leaders also identified artificial intelligence as an area for potential cooperation.
In remarks welcoming Xi, Trump stated that they would see some of the greatest treasures of US history at the National Archives, including the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They would also view artifacts that testify to the long and cherished relationship between China and the United States and their cultural exchanges.
Trump emphasized the historical significance of the visit, saying, 'Just as our ancestors reached across the ocean centuries ago to trade, to learn, and to build a better world, our two countries do really the same thing, and we're very proud of it and the relationship.'
China has not commented on the visit to the archives, but analysts suggest that Xi may be keen to see records relating to the US switch of recognition to communist China from Taiwan in 1979. China continues to press on Taiwan, claiming it as its own and seeking to persuade Trump to state publicly that the United States opposes Taiwan's independence.
The visit to the archives is seen as a symbolic gesture aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two countries. However, the lack of major substantive agreements during the summit suggests that the relationship remains complex and fraught with challenges.
America's Asian allies will be watching closely to see how Trump talks about Taiwan following Xi's visit. In May, Trump held a summit with Xi, during which he approved an $11 billion arms sale package to Taiwan. He has since held a second package, worth $14 billion, in abeyance, describing it as a 'very good negotiating chip.'
Craig Singleton, from the Foundation for Defence of Democracies think tank, suggests that Beijing may believe it has established a new baseline on Taiwan with Trump. He notes that Xi's use of the word 'adhere' implies that Beijing believes Washington is already behaving in ways it wants.
Just as our ancestors reached across the ocean centuries ago to trade, to learn, and to build a better world, our two countries do really the same thing, and we're very proud of it and the relationship.
Donald Trump, US President
