Beijing wanted more from Xi’s Washington state visit
Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington in September was steeped in pageantry. The Chinese president received two 21-gun salutes in three days, watched a flyover by the powerful B-2 stealth bomber, and viewed the founding documents of American democracy at the National Archives. US President Donald Trump called his summit with Xi a “great meeting” and rated it a “12 out of 10”. Xi was also…
Beijing desired a more ambitious agenda for Xi Jinping's September state visit to Washington, but Trump administration officials rejected the Chinese proposals, according to sources. Beijing had pushed for Xi to engage with the American business community, raise several diplomatic and security issues with Trump, and discuss artificial intelligence with Chinese and American executives.
These suggestions were put forth in an effort to ensure a reciprocal visit mirroring Trump's earlier trip to Beijing. However, US officials were wary of providing a platform for Xi to express his views, citing national security concerns. Despite Beijing's efforts, the itinerary for Xi's visit largely mirrored that of Trump's, focusing on state banquets, tea ceremonies, and visits to national landmarks.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
