Washington — President Trump is welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping this week as the U.S. addresses China's semiconductor supply for artificial intelligence and evaluates the continuation of their tariff truce, amidst concerns regarding China's relationships with Iran and Russia. Xi's visit to the White House, the first in over a decade, includes a state arrival ceremony on Wednesday, attended by Mr. Trump and U.S. military personnel. A formal meeting and state dinner are scheduled for Thursday, with Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, accompanying him.
Mr. Trump greeted Xi and his wife at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, a notable occasion where a sitting president welcomed a foreign leader on the tarmac. The arrival ceremony featured a military band and a flyover by two B-1 bombers. The ceremony was brief, concluding shortly after the couple's arrival.
On Thursday morning, another arrival ceremony will be held for Xi and his wife on the White House South Lawn, with nearly 500 service members participating. The U.S. and Chinese flags will be displayed, and the U.S. Marine Band will perform both nations' anthems. Both leaders are expected to deliver remarks. A military flyover with a B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22s is also planned.
While the presidents meet, their spouses are expected to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. The visit will conclude with tea at the White House and a trip to the National Archives on Friday.
Experts suggest that significant policy outcomes from the meeting are unlikely. James Lewis, a distinguished fellow with the Tech Policy Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis, noted that there is not much of a formal agenda for the leaders. Jake Werner, director of the East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, echoed this sentiment, stating that the meeting is largely for show.
Mr. Trump has previously praised Xi, referring to him as a "great leader" and emphasizing their ability to resolve disagreements. The discussions are expected to focus on trade, technology, and Taiwan.
On trade, the U.S. and China must decide whether to extend a tariff truce that expires on November 10. This agreement, made in Busan, South Korea, in October, reduced tariffs and paused restrictions on Chinese exports of rare earth minerals, while China committed to purchasing large quantities of U.S. soybeans, a promise that has not been fulfilled.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng recently, indicated that China has proposed a broader trade deal beyond the current truce. Bessent mentioned that Mr. Trump and Xi may meet multiple times this year, with Thursday marking their second meeting.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced plans for a U.S.-China "Board of Trade" to identify specific goods to protect from trade disputes, including low-tech consumer goods and some agricultural products. This concept was discussed during the May meeting between Mr. Trump and Xi.
In light of increasing public demand for AI safeguards, Bessent revealed that the U.S. has proposed a new notification system regarding advanced artificial intelligence.