Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Trump Welcomes Xi to Washington Seeking Trade Wins
Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington for an important meeting.
The two leaders run the governments of the United States and China, the world’s two biggest economies.
They want to show that their countries can keep talking even though they disagree about many things.
Trade is one area where they may make progress.
They may extend an agreement that paused a tariff fight between the countries.
They could also discuss buying American goods, drug trafficking and communication between their militaries.
Taiwan, advanced computer technology and military competition are much harder problems.
Xi wants the countries to act like partners, while the United States and China continue competing for influence.
Experts therefore expect impressive ceremonies but only a few major agreements.
Donald Trump welcomed Xi Jinping to Washington for a state summit focused on trade, diplomacy and symbolic displays of cooperation.
The leaders are expected to extend a trade truce, with a preliminary agreement reportedly lasting until January 10.
Possible announcements include agricultural purchases, reduced tariffs, action against drug trafficking and expanded military dialogue.
Taiwan, artificial-intelligence risks, technology export controls and the Iran war remain major sources of tension.
Both governments want stable relations, but analysts expect limited substantive progress because of their deep strategic rivalry.
- Who
- U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with their officials.
- What
- A state summit addressing trade, diplomatic stability, technology, security and other disputes.
- When
- Xi arrived Wednesday evening; the White House summit is scheduled for Thursday, with a planned National Archives visit on Friday.
- Where
- Washington, D.C., including Joint Base Andrews, the White House and the U.S. National Archives.
- Why
- Both leaders seek stable relations and potential trade gains, while managing disputes over Taiwan, technology, artificial intelligence and security.
Cooperation and stability
Strategic rivalry and leverage
Purpose of the summit
Cooperation and stability
The meeting could stabilize relations, extend the trade truce and produce practical cooperation on trade, AI risks, drugs and military communication.
Strategic rivalry and leverage
Analysts expect the summit to be primarily symbolic, with limited substantive progress because of unresolved strategic disputes.
Taiwan and security
Cooperation and stability
Maintaining dialogue and possible cooperation on Iran could reduce risks and support broader U.S.-China stability.
Strategic rivalry and leverage
China is expected to press the United States to halt arms sales to Taiwan, while U.S. allies worry that Washington could weaken support for Taipei for economic gains.
Technology and artificial intelligence
Cooperation and stability
Shared concerns about AI misuse could support an agreement or hotline to prevent dangerous incidents.
Strategic rivalry and leverage
Intense competition over AI and U.S. export controls are likely to restrict cooperation beyond symbolic commitments.
- Leaders
- Donald Trump and Xi Jinping
- Trade truce
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said negotiators agreed to extend the pause in the tariff war until January 10.
- Tariffs
- Mutual tariffs in the trade conflict had exceeded 100%.
- Potential trade topics
- Agriculture, non-tariff barriers, tariffs and a possible Chinese commitment to buy 200 Boeing aircraft.
- Security issues
- Taiwan, Iran, military-to-military communication and the release of Americans detained in China may be discussed.
- Artificial intelligence
- The countries may examine AI-related threats and discuss a possible crisis hotline.
- Technology controls
- People familiar with U.S. plans said Trump is likely to maintain export controls on American technology.