Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Trump and Xi Prepare for High-Stakes White House Talks
Xi Jinping, the leader of China, is visiting the United States to meet Donald Trump.
The meeting is planned for September 24 at the White House.
The two countries are trying to keep a temporary agreement that limits some trade tensions.
They may discuss tariffs and buying more goods from each other.
They will also talk about rare earth minerals used in many important products.
Artificial intelligence and computer-chip restrictions are another major disagreement.
Taiwan is a particularly sensitive issue because China claims it, while Taiwan rejects China's control.
The leaders may also discuss Iran, oil supplies and chemicals used to make fentanyl.
Buying American farm products could provide one area where the countries cooperate.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the United States and meet President Donald Trump at the White House on September 24.
The leaders will seek to preserve a fragile trade truce scheduled to expire in November.
Tariffs, rare earths, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and technology restrictions are expected to dominate economic discussions.
Taiwan remains the most sensitive security issue, with China opposing Taiwanese independence and Washington considering a potential $14 billion arms package.
The talks are also expected to cover Iran, energy security, fentanyl precursor chemicals and Chinese purchases of American farm products.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and United States President Donald Trump.
- What
- A high-profile United States state visit and talks on trade, technology, security, energy and counter-narcotics issues.
- When
- Xi is expected to arrive on September 23 and meet Trump on September 24; the trade truce is due to expire in November.
- Where
- The meeting will take place at the White House, with Xi expected to arrive at Joint Base Andrews.
- Why
- The leaders are trying to preserve a fragile trade truce while managing competition over technology, critical minerals and geopolitical influence.
Washington's Priorities
Beijing's Priorities
Trade and tariffs
Washington's Priorities
The United States wants to preserve the tariff truce, pursue tariff reductions and expand discussions on agriculture and energy trade.
Beijing's Priorities
China is negotiating tariff reductions on selected goods, including possible changes involving its tariff on United States liquefied natural gas.
Rare earths and technology
Washington's Priorities
Washington wants predictable rare-earth supplies and is maintaining restrictions on China's access to advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence technology.
Beijing's Priorities
Beijing wants relief from United States technology and export restrictions and has criticized limits on Chinese technology companies.
Taiwan
Washington's Priorities
The United States does not formally recognize Taiwan diplomatically but provides military equipment under United States law and is considering a possible arms package.
Beijing's Priorities
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and wants Trump to explicitly oppose Taiwanese independence rather than only stating that Washington does not support it.
- Visit timing
- Xi Jinping is scheduled to make his first White House visit since 2015.
- Arrival
- Donald Trump is preparing to greet Xi personally at Joint Base Andrews on September 23.
- Trade truce
- The current tariff truce is due to expire in November.
- Possible tariff reductions
- The United States and China are considering reductions covering about $30 billion of goods on each side.
- Taiwan arms package
- A potential United States arms package for Taiwan could be worth up to $14 billion.
- Technology attendees
- Jensen Huang, Sam Altman, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook are expected at Trump's state dinner for Xi.
- Additional issues
- The talks may include Iranian oil, energy security, fentanyl precursor chemicals and agricultural purchases.