Trump to wrap up Xi summit with a tour of US archives

Following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump will lead a tour of the United States National Archives on Friday. The visit is expected to focus on discussing the history and future of relations between their nations. At the lavish White House state dinner on Thursday, the leaders emphasized symbolism over substantive outcomes, with no major breakthroughs in their bilateral trade or other issues.

Trump acknowledged progress through a trade mechanism, citing increased market access for US farmers and ranchers. Both leaders also identified artificial intelligence as a potential area of cooperation. The President mentioned that they would view some of the "greatest treasures of US history" including the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, as well as artifacts representing the "long and cherished relationship" between China and the United States.

While China has not commented on the visit, analysts suggest Xi may be interested in reviewing records related to the 1979 US recognition of communist China over Taiwan. China has urged the US to publicly oppose Taiwan's independence and halt arms sales to the island. Xi reportedly pressed Trump on the Taiwan issue on Thursday, hoping for Washington to "handle the Taiwan question with prudence" and adhere to the correct position of opposing "Taiwan independence."

The United States, while not having formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, provides the island with crucial support. Following Xi's visit, Trump hinted at a $14 billion arms sale package to Taiwan that was put on hold in December. Analysts suggest China may view the current restraint as a new baseline, leading to increased expectations from Beijing.

Senate Democrats criticized the summit, stating Trump failed to secure meaningful concessions from China on trade, security, AI, or human rights, and called for the immediate delivery of approved military aid to Taiwan.