Trump and Xi Hold High-Stakes Talks in Washington Amid Trade and Security Issues

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for his first state visit in 11 years, meeting President Donald Trump for a second summit this year after a May meeting in Beijing. The talks come as Trump gears up for the upcoming midterm elections and Xi prepares for the Communist Party’s next congress.

Both sides said they aim to build a "constructive strategic stability" relationship, but negotiations are expected to be tough on issues such as artificial intelligence, trade and rare earth minerals. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer noted that discussions are ongoing over extending a rare-earths truce that would keep Chinese supplies flowing to the United States, while American officials have raised concerns that China has not fully honored previous agreements.

Former NATO official Rose Gottemoeller said China is seeking "guardrails" for AI and that the dialogue now combines traditional nuclear stability concerns with new technology challenges. International scholars highlighted Taiwan, technology, and trade as top priorities for Xi, and U.S. officials indicated that a potential arms sale pause to Taiwan will be a point of discussion.

Trade talks are also slated to address a reciprocal tariff-reduction framework for goods worth $30 billion or more, and the creation of bilateral trade and investment boards agreed in May. While China is expected to announce purchases of American agricultural products, data shows its commitments remain behind schedule.

"Under the water, the Chinese seem to have done a lot of kicking lately. And you know, if we have to, we'll kick back," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a July interview.

Analysts said the relationship remains fragile and that high-level channels will be needed to manage emerging disputes and mitigate negative impacts.