Trump-Xi Talks US and China extend trade truce as Xi begins Washington visit

Trump-Xi Talks began with a high-profile welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping, as US President Donald Trump received him at Joint Base Andrews for a three-day state visit.

Xi arrived in Washington on Wednesday for his first visit to the US in nearly three years. The meeting comes as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan and Iran.

The two countries have also agreed to extend an 11-month trade truce. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the extension would run until 10 January, beyond the previous 10 November expiry date.

Trump personally greeted Xi on the airport tarmac, marking an unusual diplomatic gesture. US media reported that the reception was the first time in 11 years that a US president had personally welcomed a foreign leader at the base.

The two leaders and their wives took part in a formal arrival ceremony. A military band performed as cannons fired and a B-1 bomber flew overhead.

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Xi said in a written statement that China and the United States should be “partners, not rivals”. The statement did not mention the trade agreement.

Despite the trade truce, major differences remain between the two governments. They disagree over rare-earth exports, computer-chip controls, Taiwan and China’s relationship with Iran.

The talks are expected to explore further trade arrangements, cooperation against drug trafficking and expanded military-to-military communication. Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature as the two countries compete over advanced technology.

Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues. Beijing claims sovereignty over the island, while Washington maintains close unofficial relations with Taipei and provides it with military support.

The US-China relationship has also been affected by the conflict involving Iran. Washington and Beijing have different positions on the conflict, while US officials are expected to assess whether China can contribute to diplomatic efforts.

The visit includes a state dinner on Thursday, with senior figures from major technology companies expected to attend. Tim Cook of Apple, Jensen Huang of Nvidia and OpenAI chief Sam Altman are among the business leaders expected at the event.

Xi is also scheduled to visit the National Archives, where the original US Declaration of Independence and Constitution are kept.

The summit is designed to project stability between the world’s two largest economies despite deep strategic competition. Analysts cited by Reuters said both sides have an interest in avoiding a renewed escalation while seeking progress on specific economic issues.

Another meeting between Trump and Xi could take place later this year, potentially during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China or the G20 meetings in the United States.