US president praises progress in bilateral ties as Chinese leader calls for continued dialogue and fair treatment of Chinese companies
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday as the two leaders began talks on trade, technology, artificial intelligence and security.
Trump said the United States and China had made what he described as “tremendous strides” on issues affecting both countries.
The meeting forms part of Xi’s state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25, his first visit to the country in more than a decade.
Trump highlights security and technology
During opening remarks, Trump said his discussions with Xi would include security, technology and artificial intelligence, which he referred to as “super intelligence.”
The two leaders are also expected to address trade and other areas of disagreement in the US-China relationship.
Trump said American and Chinese officials had been working toward a more balanced trading relationship and expressed optimism about cooperation between the two countries.
Xi calls for continued dialogue
Xi, meanwhile, called for continued communication between Washington and Beijing.
The Chinese president has said China wants to manage differences with the United States through dialogue while seeking opportunities for cooperation.
During the White House meeting, Xi also expressed hope that Chinese companies would receive fair treatment in the United States.
AI becomes a major issue
Artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the important issues in the relationship between Washington and Beijing.
The two countries have been discussing mechanisms for communicating about major AI developments and potential security risks.
US and Chinese officials recently established an AI dialogue that includes discussions about notifying each other about AI incidents that could reach the level of national security concerns.
Trump has also continued to oppose additional AI-specific regulation in the United States.
Trade and Taiwan remain sensitive issues
Trade is another major issue facing the two leaders.
The existing US-China trade truce is due to expire in November, while disagreements remain over tariffs, rare earth exports and access to advanced technologies.
Taiwan is also expected to remain a sensitive issue in the broader US-China relationship.
The two governments continue to differ sharply over the island and its security, adding another layer to the talks.
State dinner to follow talks
Trump and Xi are scheduled to attend a state dinner later Thursday.
The event is expected to bring together US and Chinese officials as well as prominent technology executives.
Guests are expected to include senior figures from major technology companies, reflecting the growing importance of artificial intelligence and technology in the US-China relationship.
The White House talks are taking place against the backdrop of unresolved disagreements, even as both governments seek to maintain dialogue and manage areas of competition.
BBC
