President Trump hosted Xi Jinping at the White House on September 24, 2026, marking the Chinese leader's first visit to Washington in over a decade. The two leaders held two meetings and delivered remarks, while the status of the press pool was uncertain. Trump and the First Lady are scheduled to host a State Dinner on the same evening. Nick Schifrin reported on the summit's proceedings.
During the public portion of the visit, Trump welcomed Xi with a military review on the South Lawn. The discussions primarily focused on trade, technology, Taiwan, and Iran. The U.S. and China agreed to extend a trade truce, with the U.S. refraining from raising tariffs on China, while China will continue to allow the export of rare earth magnets, which are critical for various technologies including cell phones and electric vehicles. U.S. officials indicated they are considering narrow tariff reductions in non-strategic sectors.
On technology, U.S. officials noted that there is no interest in easing export controls on semiconductors, but there is a willingness to discuss artificial intelligence (AI). The U.S. and China are initiating the U.S.-China AI Dialogue, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent proposing a dedicated communication line to report national security incidents related to AI. Xi Jinping suggested that cooperation on AI is feasible, stating, "We have both the capability and responsibility to develop and manage AI for good and ensure that the development of AI is always under human control and serves the well-being of the people."
In 2024, Xi and President Biden agreed to exclude AI from nuclear weapons discussions. Trump emphasized the U.S. lead in AI, stating, "We're leading AI over China by a lot. We're going to keep it that way."
The discussions also touched on Taiwan and the ongoing situation in Iran. A senior U.S. official reported that Americans have died in Iranian attacks in the Middle East due to Chinese actions, and the U.S. seeks to halt such actions. The Trump administration had previously authorized a significant arms package to Taiwan, but a second package has not yet been announced due to concerns that it could escalate tensions with China.
Both leaders expressed a desire for stability, with Trump stating, "If we focus on our common interests, I'm confident there is much we can achieve throughout history," while Xi remarked that the goals of rejuvenating China and making America great can coexist. Despite these statements, underlying tensions remain evident in their discussions.