US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to discuss trade, artificial intelligence and the Iran war at the White House on Thursday, CNBC World Economy reported. The meeting forms part of a Washington visit combining bilateral talks with military ceremonies and a state dinner, with US business executives expected to attend the evening event.
China analysts generally anticipate a cautious summit producing few major agreements, according to CNBC. Their expectations reflect assessments of the leaders’ personal relationship and policy priorities, although the outlet noted that the encounter still carries significant geopolitical risks. The report did not identify specific trade measures or commercial agreements expected to emerge from the discussions.
Trump signalled the importance of the visit by greeting Xi at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday evening, meeting him at the aircraft steps after crossing a red carpet laid out by US service members. A person familiar with the summit arrangements told CNBC that Trump had not previously travelled to the base to receive a foreign leader. Xi is visiting Washington for the first time since September 2015.
Artificial intelligence also featured in Trump’s public comments ahead of the talks. In a Thursday morning social media post, he said superintelligence would be a major subject of discussion. He indicated that he wanted to preserve the current position, said China shared that stance and described the US Department of Justice as a guardrail.
Thursday’s programme includes a White House welcome for Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, followed by a military review in the Rose Garden and the leaders’ bilateral meeting. Both presidents are expected to speak at the opening of the state dinner in the East Room. CNBC said Reuters had previously reported that Xi was expected to bring Chinese chief executives, but that delegation had not materialised.
The visit is due to conclude on Friday after private tea and a tour of the National Archives. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told CNBC that Trump was returning the hospitality Xi had extended during a summit in China that summer, framing the visit around advancing US national interests and securing deals.