China’s Xi heads to US for talks with Trump: state media

Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his visit aimed at meeting with US President Donald Trump. The highly anticipated talks come amid rising concerns over advanced artificial intelligence systems and tensions in trade between the two nations. Accompanying Xi were his wife Peng Liyuan, his aide Cai Qi, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Upon landing, Trump welcomed Xi at Joint Base Andrews, where the US leader was greeted by China's Vice President. Xi and Peng are set to attend a ceremony at the White House on Thursday, featuring a military flyover. Following the ceremony, they will hold talks, with Trump hosting Xi for a state dinner that evening. The trip concludes on Friday morning with a tea event at the White House and a visit to the National Archives.

The White House emphasized that the visit represents a significant step in the relationship between the two countries. However, the meeting may address multiple areas of tension, including the US-China conflict over Iran, a looming trade war, and the threat of war on Taiwan. While analysts expect little in the way of concrete agreements, the two sides did establish a communication channel for AI concerns during preliminary talks between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.

Despite calls from Jimmy Lai's son for his 78-year-old father's release, the White House noted that Beijing is unlikely to grant him freedom. China's leverage includes its control over rare earths, critical materials used in high-tech products.