Trump-Xi summit in Washington begins with great fanfare but low expectations
SPY•Donald Trump welcomed Xi Jinping to the White House for a summit expected to focus on stable ties, with a trade truce extension and AI discussions possible but major breakthroughs unlikely. The leaders also face disputes over Taiwan, export controls and other issues.
1. Leaders call for stability
Trump praised his friendship with Xi and said the countries had made progress on trade since his May trip to China. Xi called for healthy competition, fair treatment of Chinese companies in the United States and regular military dialogue to help prevent crises.
2. Limited outcomes expected
Analysts said the summit was unlikely to produce major breakthroughs. Potential outcomes include extending a trade truce, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said had been agreed through January 10, and examining AI threats; the agreement had paused a trade war in which mutual tariffs topped 100%.
3. Disputes remain
The two leaders may also discuss tariffs, drug trafficking, military dialogue and detained Americans. Taiwan remains a central point of tension: Xi is expected to press Trump to halt arms sales, after Trump said following their May summit that he was holding in abeyance a Taiwan arms package worth about $14 billion.
