Trump, Xi head into Washington summit with both leaders thinking time is on their side

Washington — Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping face a long list of contentious topics when they meet at the White House on Thursday. China has been reluctant to heed the U.S. administration's calls and economic pressures to use its significant influence to convince Iran to accept terms to cease the ongoing seven-month-long conflict.

Xi is keen on seeing Trump permanently cease arms sales to Taiwan and ease export limitations on state-of-the-art microchips. On Wednesday, both sides agreed to prolong a one-year ceasefire set to end on November 10 for an additional two months, deferring the task of reaching a more permanent resolution. Throughout these discussions, both leaders appear to be confident that time is working in their favor as they strive to outmaneuver each other in what is anticipated to be the most significant economic and national security rivalry in recent years.

"The president very much believes that over time the U.S. economy will expand, the U.S. will become stronger, the U.S. will continue to make advancements in AI and technology, and that ... the U.S. will establish alternative sources of critical minerals," Trump stated.