Trump Welcomes Xi to Washington as US and China Extend Trade Truce

US President Donald Trump has welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington, DC, for a three-day visit focused on trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and broader relations between the world’s two largest economies.

Xi arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday, September 23, where Trump personally greeted him. The meeting marked the first time in 11 years that a US president had welcomed a foreign leader at the military base, according to US media reports.

The two leaders, accompanied by their wives, shook hands and spoke briefly during an arrival ceremony that included a military band, cannon fire and a B-1 bomber flyover.

Following the ceremony, Xi said China and the United States should work as partners rather than rivals. China’s state-run Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying that China’s national rejuvenation and Trump’s goal of making America great again could “go hand in hand” and benefit the world.

US-China Trade Truce Extended

The Trump administration also announced that Washington and Beijing had agreed to extend an existing 11-month trade agreement, known as the Busan Agreement.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the agreement, which was due to expire on November 10, would now remain in place until January 10.

Bessent said US and Chinese officials were exploring the possibility of reaching a broader agreement instead of continuing with a series of smaller deals.

Xi’s visit comes several months after Trump travelled to Beijing in May for talks with the Chinese leader.

Taiwan and Artificial Intelligence

The discussions between Trump and Xi are expected to cover several major issues, including trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the war involving the United States and Israel and Iran.

Taiwan is expected to be particularly sensitive, as China considers the self-governing island part of its territory, while the United States maintains close relations with Taipei and provides it with military support.

Analysts also expect artificial intelligence to feature prominently in the talks. Washington has proposed establishing a hotline between the two countries to allow them to communicate quickly when major security risks involving AI emerge.

Xi’s visit will also include a state dinner attended by leading technology executives, a military ceremony at the White House and a visit to the National Archives.

The visit comes as Washington and Beijing seek to stabilise relations following months of trade tensions, tariffs and restrictions on technology and exports.

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