Trump and Xi Discuss Relations at State Dinner with Limited Progress on Key Issues

US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping met at a state dinner at the White House, exchanging cordial remarks but showing little progress on significant issues. Xi emphasized the need for artificial intelligence to remain 'under human control' and called for both nations to act as 'responsible major countries.' Trump, in his toast, expressed hopes for a future of 'harmony, peace, and success' between the two nations. Despite the diplomatic gestures, tensions persist, particularly regarding Taiwan, with Xi urging Trump to adopt the 'correct position' on the self-governing island claimed by Beijing. The dinner was attended by various business leaders, Trump administration officials, and US tech CEOs, while protests occurred outside the venue, resulting in some arrests. Trump thanked Xi for his visit and highlighted the strong relationship between the two leaders, stating, 'We've never gotten along better.' He presented Xi with a sculpture of a bald eagle, symbolizing America, and noted that he and First Lady Melania Trump had participated in its design. Xi expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown to him and his wife, stating they felt 'truly at home.' He remarked on the historical ties between the US and China, referencing their cooperation during World War Two and the 'ping pong' diplomacy of the Nixon era. Xi called for a 'constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability' and suggested exploring a 'new approach for major countries to get along.' The guest list included prominent figures from the tech industry, such as Tim Cook, Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai, Jeff Bezos, and Jensen Huang, among others. The dinner menu featured American ingredients with subtle Chinese influences, including yellow squash and sesame-crusted sea bass. Following the dinner, Trump and Xi planned to meet for tea and tour the US National Archives, where important historical documents are housed. Xi and his wife were scheduled to depart Washington later that day.