Trump, Xi Focus on Trade and AI at White House Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday, opening high-level talks focused on trade, artificial intelligence, security and broader U.S.-China relations.

Xi’s trip marks his first U.S. state visit since 2015 and follows Trump’s visit to China in May. Investors are closely watching the Trump-Xi meeting for potential agreements or signals on tariffs, technology policy and geopolitical tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

In introductory remarks, Trump said U.S. and Chinese officials had been working to “encourage a more balanced trading relationship.” He added that Washington and Beijing would seek to cooperate to build a better future for both countries.

Xi emphasized direct communication and peaceful coexistence, saying he was prepared to work with Trump to keep China-U.S. relations on a stable course. He also welcomed American investment in China and said Beijing would keep its market open, while calling for Chinese companies to receive fair treatment in the United States.

Artificial intelligence emerged as another major topic. Xi said China and the U.S. have both the capability and responsibility to ensure AI is developed for beneficial purposes and remains under human control. He also called for regular dialogue between the two countries’ militaries and stronger crisis-prevention mechanisms.

Trade remains a central focus of the summit. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that Washington and Beijing had agreed to extend their tariff ceasefire by two months. The agreement, previously scheduled to expire in November, now runs until January 10.

Bessent has met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng twice in four days ahead of the leaders’ talks, although he said it remains uncertain whether a broader U.S.-China trade agreement can be completed before the new deadline.

Markets are also monitoring developments involving AI competition and technology restrictions. U.S. equities finished nearly flat Thursday, with the S&P 500 around 7,704, as investors awaited concrete outcomes from the Trump-Xi summit.