Xi lands in US for high-stakes summit with Trump amid deep tensions

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington for a three-day state visit, with discussions focused on trade, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and the ongoing war with Iran. Upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Trump and Xi's wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by the president, a rare protocol gesture for an incoming foreign leader.

The main bilateral meeting is set for Thursday at the White House, and the itinerary includes a state dinner, a military ceremony with flyovers, and a visit to the National Archives. This summit comes at a critical juncture for Trump, as he attempts to end the war in Iran and faces a decline in voter approval. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to rising global energy prices, which could impact the upcoming midterm elections in November.

Washington hopes China, Iran's largest oil buyer, can leverage its position to pressure Tehran. The US has thus far avoided imposing sanctions on China over its dealings with Iran. Experts suggest that Beijing is more inclined to promote de-escalation and would anticipate the US to display more restraint. Throughout his presidency, Trump has alternated between criticizing China's dominance in manufacturing and nurturing a friendly relationship with Xi.

They are anticipated to explore the future of the global AI industry, where the superpowers are competing for technological supremacy.

During his speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump emphasized that whoever emerges victorious in AI would be the dominant force, stating, "That's the group that wins and we're leading now over China, by a lot, and everyone else." The summit will also touch upon critical minerals and rare-earth supplies, which have emerged as a crucial lever in the US-China relationship.

The US seeks China to relax restrictions on rare-earth exports, while Beijing aims to preserve its lead in producing materials crucial for technology and defense.

Xi is also expected to raise the issue of Taiwan, which the US has consistently supported with defensive measures, although China opposes it as a violation of its sovereignty.