BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the United States this week for talks with President Donald Trump on trade, artificial intelligence and broader China-US relations, Beijing confirmed Monday.
Xi will make a state visit from Wednesday to Friday, according to a Chinese government statement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the two leaders would discuss major issues concerning bilateral relations, world peace and development.
Beijing said it would seek to strengthen a relationship based on “constructive strategic stability” while managing differences between the two countries.
Trump is expected to personally welcome Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday before the leaders hold talks the following day. Trump said Sunday he planned to discuss “almost everything” with the Chinese president.
What Will Trump and Xi Discuss?
Trade is expected to be a key issue as Washington and Beijing continue efforts to resolve a prolonged trade dispute. Both sides have maintained a tariff truce for nearly a year but have yet to reach a lasting agreement.
Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature prominently. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed establishing a communication channel for AI-related incidents that could reach the level of national security concerns.
The talks are also expected to cover broader strategic issues, including the Middle East conflict and China’s relations with Iran.
Why Are Trade and AI Central to the Talks?
China remains a major economic partner and diplomatic supporter of Iran, while Beijing has sought to avoid US sanctions linked to trade with Tehran.
The two countries are also competing for technological influence, with rare earths remaining an important point of leverage for Beijing because the materials are widely used in high-tech manufacturing.
Analysts cited by AFP said expectations for major breakthroughs at the summit remain limited, with a possible continuation of the current trade truce among the near-term outcomes.