B-2 Spirit, AI cooperation, no US-China conflict: key Xi-Trump takeaways so far

On the second day of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States, both leaders met at the White House to discuss their relationship and future cooperation. Speaking warmly to each other, they pledged to deepen ties and maintain stability between their nations. Trump emphasized that they would work together to build a "better future" for both countries, while Xi called for peaceful coexistence and a healthy competition between the two powers.

Following their remarks, Xi was greeted with a military flyover featuring a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and four F-22 Raptors, highlighting the power of American air capabilities.

Key takeaways from their speeches include China's open door policy for American companies, the need for healthy competition, and increased direct flights to facilitate trade and travel. Both leaders stressed the importance of regular military dialogue to prevent conflict and prevent the Thucydides' trap, where a rising power and an established hegemon are destined for war.

They also agreed to strengthen communication across various government departments, focusing on foreign affairs, economic matters, financial cooperation, and law enforcement.

AI was another area of focus, with both presidents stressing the need for cooperation in managing the risks of artificial intelligence. Trump referred to this technology as superintelligence (SI), while Xi called for ensuring AI remains under human control. The two countries previously agreed in 2024 that humans should have control over the use of nuclear weapons. Progress on bilateral issues was discussed, including a successful Board of Trade mechanism, and plans for AI-related cooperation.

Relations between the two countries were also strengthened through people-to-people exchanges, with the arrival of two giant pandas named Ping Ping and Fu Shuang in Atlanta, Georgia, and an invitation for 100,000 young Americans to study in China over the next five years. Both leaders recalled their countries' joint efforts during World War II, paying tribute to American pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces, even though neither used the term "China" directly.