Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have called for greater communication and peaceful coexistence between the two countries as Xi began his high profile state visit to Washington.
The two leaders met at the White House on Thursday in a ceremony marked by military displays, formal greetings and a state dinner, as they sought to manage tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Their discussions covered artificial intelligence, trade, Iran and Taiwan.
Trump described his relationship with Xi as a “truly great friendship” and said the two countries had made progress on several issues since he returned to office.
Xi, however, used the occasion to stress the need for cooperation and stronger communication between Washington and Beijing. He said the two countries should avoid conflict and work towards peaceful coexistence despite their differences.
Artificial intelligence was one of the major issues discussed during the meeting. While Trump has focused on maintaining US leadership in the rapidly developing technology, Xi called for AI to be developed responsibly and kept under human control.
Xi said China and the United States have both the ability and responsibility to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed for the benefit of people. He also described the two countries as having an important role in advancing human development and called for closer communication.
The Chinese leader also announced that two pandas would soon be sent to Atlanta, continuing a long tradition of using the animals as a symbol of friendship between China and the United States.
The visit has been accompanied by considerable ceremony. Trump personally welcomed Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, an unusual gesture for a visiting foreign leader. The following day, Xi received a formal welcome at the White House that included a military review and flyover before the two presidents moved into talks.
Despite the warm public display, significant disagreements remain between Washington and Beijing. Trade relations continue to be a major concern, although the two countries have agreed to extend their tariff truce for another two months, helping to prevent an immediate return to the wider trade confrontation of the past.
Iran was also expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The United States and China have taken different positions on the conflict, with Washington pressing Beijing over its relationship with Tehran. Xi has called for the US and Iran to return to dialogue and seek a negotiated way to end the war.
Taiwan remains another major point of tension. Beijing continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory, while Washington maintains longstanding security and economic ties with the island. The issue remains one of the most sensitive areas in relations between China and the United States.
Xi’s visit is therefore taking place against a complicated backdrop of cooperation and rivalry. While neither side is expected to resolve all of their differences during the meetings, both governments have continued to emphasise dialogue as they seek to prevent competition from developing into a broader confrontation.
The Chinese president is scheduled to conclude his visit on Friday, with further engagements in Washington before his departure.
