Trump plans grand spectacle for potentially tense talks as Xi arrives in US

US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington for a three-day visit, marking the first time a US president has greeted a foreign leader at Joint Base Andrews in 11 years. The summit will address tensions over trade, technology, and Teheran, despite deep disagreements between the world's largest economy and market.

Tensions will be punctuated by a state dinner with tech luminaries and military ceremonies. The 11-month trade truce expires on Nov 10, but both sides remain open to extending it or pursuing a more expansive deal. Analysts expect limited breakthroughs, with China likely to push for Taiwan's sovereignty and the US maintaining export controls.

Discussions on AI, drug trafficking, and military-to-military dialogue may yield specific sector reductions in tariffs. Trump seeks the release of detained Americans and others in China, while Xi faces internal challenges with a booming trade engine. The leaders' primary objective may be to project domestic stability. Another meeting between Trump and Xi is likely this year, potentially at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China or the Group of 20 meetings in the US.