Trump welcomes Xi to Washington looking for a trade win

U.S. President Donald Trump extended a warm welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews on September 23, 2026, marking the Chinese leader's first visit to Washington in over a decade. The state visit aimed to showcase stable ties between the two global powers, despite a deep underlying rivalry. Trump and Xi met on Wednesday evening, with Xi expressing hope for a more stable relationship and stating that Beijing and Washington should be partners, not rivals.

For Trump, the visit held significance in national prestige, with plans for a lavish ceremony spanning the White House South Lawn, State Floor, and Rose Garden. Analysts anticipate limited tangible outcomes, such as an extension of the trade truce expiring in November and discussions on AI threats. The summit is seen as an opportunity for both leaders to project strength, with China offering assistance to pressure Taiwan and potentially exerting influence on Iran.