WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday, opening a two-day summit between the leaders of the world’s two biggest economies. It is Xi’s first visit to Washington since September 2015. (Trump Hosts Xi at the White House)
A Big Welcome at Joint Base Andrews
Xi landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before 6 p.m. Wednesday, and his Air China jet rolled past six F-16s and six F-22s lined up on the tarmac. On Thursday morning, the Trumps welcomed Xi and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan for an arrival ceremony, and the leaders then moved to the Rose Garden for a military review.
Speaking in the Grand Foyer, Trump called their bond a “truly great friendship,” and noted that Xi had not visited the White House since a 2015 state visit under President Barack Obama.
Three Hours of Talks, Few Details
The two leaders met for around three hours on Thursday afternoon. Trump called it a “great meeting” but did not answer questions about what was discussed. At the dinner that night, Xi said the two sides “reached common understanding on many issues,” but he did not say what they discussed or whether any new agreements were made.
Trump and Xi strike cordial tone at summit amid underlying tensions
Artificial intelligence was high on the list.
Trade Truce Gets Two More Months
The biggest trade question was settled before the leaders even sat down. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News on Wednesday that the two countries agreed to extend their trade truce, which was set to expire in November, through Jan. 10. The deal came after Bessent held an unscheduled meeting in Washington with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The two countries still have not reached a broader deal.
Trump said the pair “have made tremendous strides on the issues facing our two countries.”
Taiwan and Iran Hang Over the Summit
During the talks, Xi said he hopes the U.S. will oppose Taiwan independence, according to Chinese state media. The two also discussed the U.S.-Iran war, and Xi said China would support both sides returning to the 14-point memorandum of understanding reached in June.
Trump wants China to use its influence with Iran, while Xi wants a permanent halt to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and looser export limits on advanced chips.
Trump may be negotiating from a weaker spot than four months ago. Cornell University professor Allen Carlson pointed to rising inflation, falling approval ratings, an unpopular war with Iran and a potentially bad midterm result for Republicans.
A State Dinner Packed With Tech CEOs
The evening ended with a black-tie dinner in the East Room, where the guest list read like a roll call of American tech. [See who sat at the head table → /trump-xi-state-dinner-guests/]
The dinner also came with a patriotic gift and a two-course menu. Inside the bald eagle gift and dinner menu
A Fight Over Press Access
The day also brought a clash with the media. The White House repeatedly denied U.S. reporters access to the grounds despite a court order. CNN, MS NOW and Politico have since had their press badges reinstated.
What Happens Friday
The Trumps will host Xi and Peng for tea in the Red Room on Friday morning, before the Chinese couple visits the National Archives and flies back to China.
Trump Hosts Xi at the White House
News Source – https://edition.cnn.com/2026/09/24/politics/live-news/trump-meeting-china-xi-us-visit
