Trump-Xi talks at the White House today: 4 key issues on the agenda of US-China leaders | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet at the White House on Thursday (September 24th), with trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and the wars in Iran and Ukraine expected to feature prominently in discussions between the two leaders.
Trump called the meeting a “big day.” The talks come after the two countries agreed to extend a fragile trade truce by two months as disagreements over technology, Taiwan and competition between the US and China remain unresolved.
Here are four key questions that are likely to be on the agenda:
1. AI and the race for technological supremacy
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
The Trump-Xi talks will focus on trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and the wars in Iran and Ukraine.
Artificial intelligence is a major area of strategic competition, with both nations seeking technological dominance and control over advanced artificial intelligence systems.
China opposes US arms sales to Taiwan, viewing it as meddling, while the US supports Taiwan’s right to self-defense.
Trump seeks China’s influence in both conflicts and believes Beijing could help address regional stability and negotiations.
Trade remains a critical issue, with an 11-month ceasefire recently extended by two months to allow negotiators to address ongoing disputes.
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a major area of strategic competition between the US and China. Trump has repeatedly argued that the US is ahead of China in the battle for leadership in artificial intelligence and has resisted calls from parts of the US tech industry to slow the pace of development.
The two countries have also clashed over US restrictions on exports of advanced AI chips to China and Washington’s efforts to limit Beijing’s access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology.
Trump has referred to AI as “SI,” or superintelligence, as part of his push to change the terminology surrounding the technology.
In Washington and Beijing, the issue goes beyond commercial competition. Control over advanced artificial intelligence systems and the chips needed to develop them is increasingly becoming part of the broader US-China technology and national security rivalry.
2. Arms sales to Taiwan and the US
Taiwan is another major point of contention between Washington and Beijing.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed US arms sales to the island. Meanwhile, Washington continues to support Taiwan’s ability to defend itself.
The issue is particularly sensitive because Beijing views US military support for Taiwan as meddling in what it sees as China’s internal affairs.
For Trump and Xi, discussions on Taiwan are likely to involve balancing China’s territorial claims, US security commitments in the region and efforts to prevent tensions from escalating.
3. Wars between Iran and Ukraine
Conflicts in Iran and Ukraine could also appear in discussions in the White House.
Trump wants China to use its influence over Iran as Washington tries to deal with the conflict and its wider consequences, including higher global oil prices.
China’s diplomatic and economic ties in the region give Beijing a potential role in discussions about the Iran conflict.
Read also | Trump-Xi summit: China unlikely to commit to new Boeing orders
Ukraine is another area where Washington has sought greater Chinese involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly called on Beijing to do more to help bring Russia to the negotiating table.
The two leaders could therefore discuss China’s relationship with Russia and Beijing’s potential role in trying to end the Ukraine war.
4. Trade and tariffs
Trade remains at the heart of US-China relations.
The existing 11-month trade truce, which was due to expire in November, has now been extended by two months. The extension gives negotiators more time to resolve outstanding disputes between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump and Xi could discuss tariffs and trade barriers affecting specific sectors, as well as broader issues surrounding the US-China economic relationship.
The talks come after years of tariff disputes and negotiations aimed at preventing further escalation of the trade conflict.
Read also | When Trump met with Xi, Politico, MS NOW, CNN denied entry to White House
