Trump-Xi summit live: Chinese leader calls for renewed Iran talks in meeting

Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for a three-day visit, marking the first time in over a decade. The ceremony featured military personnel lining the stairs, a formal welcome on the White House South Lawn, a military flyover, talks in the Oval Office, and a grand state banquet. Trump lauded his "truly great friendship" with Xi, noting they had made significant progress on the issues facing their countries.

Xi confirmed he was there to maintain their friendship and announced two pandas would soon arrive at a US zoo. While China and the US may not solve every global problem, cooperation is crucial, Xi stated. The summit would focus on security, technology, and AI, with Trump warning they would be key topics. China emphasized the historic responsibility to advance human development, while the US sought a more balanced trading relationship, including new market access for American farmers.

China's defense ministry cautioned the US about arms sales to Taiwan, signaling the Taiwan issue as a top priority. The US-Taiwan arms deal, valued at $11 billion, was approved in December but remains pending. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at a potential further de-escalation of the trade war, including lowering tariffs on non-sensitive goods.

Ahead of the summit, China's defense ministry warned the US to be cautious over arms sales to Taiwan, which will likely be a significant topic. Former US diplomat Henrietta Levin noted that Xi's comments could grant China leverage to achieve concessions on strategic issues, potentially impacting the US. However, Levin observed the summit might primarily serve symbolic purposes, with the effectiveness of progress remaining uncertain.