U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House, describing their relationship as a “truly great friendship” as the leaders opened high stakes talks aimed at managing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Xi’s state visit comes amid disagreements over trade, advanced technology, Taiwan and China’s relationship with Iran. The two leaders are also seeking to prevent renewed economic tensions after Washington and Beijing agreed to extend their existing trade truce by two months.
Speaking alongside his advisers at the start of the meeting, Trump highlighted his relationship with Xi dating back to his first presidential election campaign in 2016.
“From the time of my first election in 2016, President Xi and I have forged a friendship, a truly great friendship,” Trump said, emphasizing what he described as mutual respect and the interests of both countries.
Xi struck a more cautious tone, saying U.S. and Chinese interests are “deeply intertwined” and calling for competition between the two countries to remain within limits.
He warned against what is known as the “Thucydides Trap” the idea that competition between an established power and a rising power can escalate into conflict.
“It should be a race of catching up with one another, not a wrestle in which one either wins or loses,” Xi said.
Trade Truce Extended
Trade remains one of the central issues in the relationship.
The United States and China agreed to extend a one year trade truce by two months, delaying its expiration as officials continue efforts to reach a longer term arrangement. The agreement follows months of negotiations over tariffs, market access, agricultural products and other economic issues.
The two governments are also discussing artificial intelligence, rare earth supplies and mechanisms for managing potential AI related incidents between the countries.
Xi said the two sides should cooperate on artificial intelligence while ensuring that its development remains under human control and benefits society.
Taiwan and Iran Among Key Disputes
Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in U.S.-China relations.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and has called on Washington to stop arms sales to the island. The United States, meanwhile, is legally committed to providing Taiwan with the means to maintain its defense capabilities.
Trump previously delayed approval of a planned $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan and described arms sales as a negotiating tool with Beijing.
Xi did not directly mention Taiwan in his opening remarks but stressed the importance of avoiding confrontation between the two countries.
The war in Iran is another major point of disagreement. Washington has urged Beijing to use its economic influence with Tehran to help bring the conflict to an end, while China has criticized U.S. and Israeli military actions in the region.
China’s position is particularly significant because of its economic dependence on energy supplies from the Gulf.
Xi Announces Youth Exchanges and Pandas
The Chinese president also announced measures aimed at strengthening people to people relations between the two countries.
Xi said China would invite 100,000 American young people to China over the next five years for education and cultural exchanges.
He also confirmed that two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, would soon arrive at Zoo Atlanta as part of China’s panda diplomacy and conservation cooperation with the United States. Xi described the pandas as an “envoy of friendship.”
The announcement comes after several pandas were returned to China from American zoos in recent years as diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing intensified.
Elaborate White House Welcome
Trump gave Xi an elaborate welcome to Washington, including a formal arrival ceremony and military review.
After their talks, the two leaders toured the White House South Lawn, where Trump showed Xi the newly completed presidential helipad and Marine One.
Trump later told reporters that the meeting had been “great.”
Xi is scheduled to return to the White House for a formal state dinner featuring senior U.S. officials and prominent business and technology leaders.
The visit marks the latest effort by Washington and Beijing to manage their competition while maintaining dialogue on issues that affect global trade, technology, security and economic stability.
