ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held high-level talks at the White House on Thursday, with trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and regional security among the main issues on the agenda. The meeting marked Xi’s first White House visit in more than a decade and followed Trump’s visit to China earlier this year.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Xi thanked Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for the reception and conveyed greetings to the American people on behalf of China’s more than 1.4 billion citizens. He said the two countries have a shared responsibility to promote human development and called for a constructive relationship based on “strategic stability.”
Xi said confrontation would harm both countries while cooperation could produce mutual benefits. He called for healthy competition and continued military-to-military dialogue, while urging both sides to manage their differences through communication.
Artificial intelligence featured prominently in the leaders’ remarks. Xi said China and the United States, as leading AI powers, have both the capability and responsibility to develop and manage the technology for the benefit of humanity, with AI remaining under human control. Trump said discussions would include what he calls “super intelligence,” along with technology and security issues.
On Taiwan, Xi urged Washington to oppose Taiwan independence and handle the issue carefully. He also announced that China would invite 100,000 young Americans to visit China for study and educational exchanges over the next five years.
Trump described his relationship with Xi as a “truly great friendship” and pointed to progress in trade since his earlier visit to Beijing. The two countries also agreed to extend their trade truce for two months, giving negotiators additional time to address tariffs and other economic disputes.
The summit is also taking place amid the U.S. conflict with Iran and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has sought Beijing’s help in dealing with Tehran, while China has called for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Both leaders had previously agreed that Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons and called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.