Trump woos Xi with glitz, light on talks

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for high-stakes talks on Thursday at the White House, amid a critical juncture for their countries' relationship. Both nations are locked in a rivalry for economic and technological supremacy, and the leaders appear to view their meeting as an opportunity to foster mutual interest and cooperation while avoiding open conflict.

Trump welcomed Xi with a grand display of pomp and circumstance, emphasizing their "great friendship" built on mutual respect and shared interests. Xi concurred, stating that Chinese and American interests are deeply intertwined and that the competition should remain healthy and within bounds. He also warned against the "Thucydides trap," a theoretical scenario where a rising power threatens to displace an established one, often leading to war.

Both leaders acknowledged the significant role of artificial intelligence in their nations' future, with Trump expressing a preference to leave it unchecked, and Xi stressing the importance of keeping AI under human control for the good of people. Despite the two sides' commitment to finding common ground, tensions remain high, particularly over the sensitive issue of Taiwan.

China has repeatedly urged the U.S. to halt arms sales to the island, which Beijing regards as part of its territory and vows to reclaim by force if necessary. The U.S., however, is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with adequate defense capabilities. The leaders also discussed extending a one-year trade truce by two months, as they strive to reach a more durable agreement.