Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Trump Praises Xi as Leaders Seek to Manage US-China Tensions
Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at a formal dinner on Thursday.
It was Xi’s first state visit to the United States in more than a decade.
Trump said that he and Xi had never gotten along better.
He also said the two countries have important differences but lasting ties between their people.
Xi used more careful language and urged both countries to communicate peacefully.
The leaders were discussing difficult issues such as trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the war in Iran.
Trump also joked about a new ballroom being built at the White House.
He invited Xi and Peng Liyuan to be among the first people to enter it when it is finished.
Donald Trump said he and Xi Jinping had “never gotten along better” during a White House state dinner.
Xi called for China and the United States to communicate, manage differences and “coexist in peace.”
The dinner marked Xi’s first state visit to the United States in more than a decade.
The leaders were managing tensions involving trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the war in Iran.
Trump joked that Xi and Peng Liyuan could be the first guests in the White House’s unfinished ballroom.
- Who
- United States President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan attended the dinner.
- What
- Trump praised his relationship with Xi, while Xi urged peaceful coexistence and continued communication between the countries.
- When
- Thursday, September 24.
- Where
- The White House in Washington.
- Why
- The leaders were seeking to manage tensions over trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the war in Iran.
Personal Diplomacy
Measured Statecraft
Managing the relationship
Personal Diplomacy
Donald Trump emphasized his personal relationship with Xi Jinping, saying it was central to handling disagreements between the governments.
Measured Statecraft
Xi Jinping emphasized institutional communication, responsible behavior by both countries and peaceful coexistence.
US-China ties
Personal Diplomacy
Trump highlighted progress and said the two leaders had made “tremendous strides,” while also stressing their strong personal rapport.
Measured Statecraft
Xi said cooperation could benefit both countries, but confrontation would cause losses, reflecting a more cautious approach.
- Event
- White House state dinner for Xi Jinping
- Date
- Thursday, September 24
- Visit
- Xi’s first state visit to the United States in more than a decade
- Trump’s message
- He said he and Xi had “never gotten along better”
- Xi’s message
- China and the United States should communicate, manage differences and coexist peacefully
- Key issues
- Trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the war in Iran
- Ballroom
- Trump said the new White House ballroom remains under construction and is about a year from completion