On Thursday, US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with Madame Peng Liyuan and the Chinese delegation, to the White House. This meeting marks the beginning of their official state visit, which is set against a backdrop of crucial bilateral negotiations between the two nations. President Trump underscored the mutual respect shared between himself and President Xi, highlighting their strong personal connection as they engage in discussions that could shape future US-China relations.
Xi’s visit marks his second summit with Trump in less than six months, showing continued engagement between the world’s two largest economies. “That was a great greeting, and I think they appreciate it… During Xi’s arrival, US Air Force B-1 Lancer supersonic bombers flew overhead as part of the ceremonial welcome.
Speaking during the welcome events, Trump stressed the personal relationship he has built with the Chinese leader and said it has been shaped by shared respect and the interests of both countries. “President Xi and I have forged a friendship, a truly great friendship actually, built on the mutual respect and the vital interests of our people,” Trump said. Earlier, after returning from Joint Base Andrews, where he welcomed Xi, Trump told reporters the Chinese delegation had warmly received the reception. Also, it’s very nice to land on what they consider to be the most beautiful helipad ever built,” Trump said. Trump said leading figures from the technology and banking sectors would attend the state dinner being hosted for Xi Jinping. “The entire tech world, the entire banking world, and a lot more will be in attendance at tomorrow night’s state dinner for Chinese President Xi,” Trump said, adding, “I wish we had more seats.”
Bessent said US and Chinese officials agreed to continue the Busan agreement, which was originally reached in October 2025 to reduce economic tensions between the two countries. (With ANI inputs), according to Fox News.
Iran expected to feature in talks
However, officials confirmed discussions are taking place on reducing tariffs on a limited range of non-strategic goods that could benefit both economies. It also comes shortly after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that Washington and Beijing had agreed to extend their trade truce by two months. The event is expected to bring together senior business executives and government officials from both countries. When asked whether he would discuss Iran with Xi, Trump suggested the issue would be part of a wider agenda. “We’ll see. Iran is one of several international issues expected to be discussed during the meetings. Artificial intelligence is also expected to be a major topic. Trump is also expected to raise the issue of Americans detained in Chinese prisons, following a pattern seen in previous discussions between the two leaders. The state visit follows Trump’s trip to Beijing in May, where Xi hosted him at the Great Hall of the People. The current visit is seen as a return gesture by Washington, with Xi receiving full state-visit honours at the White House.
The current tariff truce between the two countries, agreed under the Busan agreement, is due to expire in November.
I’ll be talking about that and many other subjects, but it’s also coming along well — including that,” Trump said. Trump and Xi are expected to discuss trade, technology, critical minerals and the future of US-China relations, according to US officials. Officials said both sides will discuss its future along with existing chip export licences. Washington has said it will not remove export controls on sensitive technologies in exchange for concessions. Officials said discussions could include ideas such as sharing information on new AI models and exploring oversight mechanisms, although no formal agreement has been reached. US officials said Washington continues to raise concerns about the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China to criminal groups operating in Mexico. During that visit, both leaders said they wanted a “constructive, strategic and stable relationship” between their countries.
