Trump and Xi Exchange Warm Words as US-China Tensions Persist
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged cordial remarks during a lavish White House state dinner, but the meeting offered limited evidence of progress on some of the major disagreements between the two countries.
Xi called for the United States and China to act as responsible major powers and stressed the importance of keeping artificial intelligence under human control. Trump, meanwhile, raised a toast to what he described as a future of harmony, peace and success between the two countries.
Despite the diplomatic tone, several sensitive issues continue to affect relations between Washington and Beijing.
Taiwan Remains a Major Issue
Taiwan was among the key issues surrounding the leaders’ discussions. Beijing claims sovereignty over the self-governing island and has repeatedly called on other countries to respect its position.
Earlier in the day, Xi urged Trump to take what China considers the “correct position” on Taiwan. The issue has remained particularly sensitive amid discussion over a US weapons package for the island.
Washington and Beijing have maintained different positions on Taiwan, making the issue one of the most significant sources of tension between the two powers.
Business Leaders Attend State Dinner
The high-profile dinner brought together senior business figures and technology executives alongside the two presidents.
The presence of major US business and technology leaders highlighted the economic importance of the relationship between the world’s two largest economies, particularly as both countries compete over advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Xi’s remarks on AI also reflected growing international debate over how rapidly developing technologies should be governed and how potential risks should be managed.
Protesters Gather Outside White House
The diplomatic gathering was accompanied by demonstrations outside the White House. Protesters gathered near the gates as the leaders arrived, with some participants taken into custody by authorities.
The contrasting scenes — a formal state dinner inside the White House and protests outside — reflected the broader complexities surrounding the US-China relationship.
While Trump and Xi presented a cooperative tone during the dinner, major disagreements over Taiwan, technology, trade and strategic interests remain unresolved.
