US President Donald Trump is going to host Chinese President Xi Jinping next week at the White House in Washington. However, Trump administration has little expectations from the Trump-Xi meeting.
Chinese President Xi will confront several major disputes when he meets Trump at the White House next week. The summit comes as Washington and Beijing compete for technological dominance, with artificial intelligence expected to feature prominently in their discussions.
Meanwhile, Trump’s war with Iran has added another complication as China seeks to avoid US sanctions while maintaining relations with Tehran.
Reports have accused Chinese entities of providing Iran with intelligence used in an attack on US troops. However, Trump has played down those reports and defended Xi’s conduct.
Trade tensions will also remain central, particularly over tariffs, agricultural purchases and export controls between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump will personally welcome Xi at Joint Base Andrews next Wednesday before their formal meetings the following day, a US official confirmed.
However, analysts expect both leaders to focus more on managing tensions than announcing major agreements.
Jonathan Czin of the Brookings Institution told AFP that he expects limited outcomes from the summit.
Similarly, Peking University professor Wang Dong said major AI agreements remain politically difficult because both countries fear losing their technological advantage.
In addition, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng before the summit to discuss issues including Iran sanctions.
Xi’s visit also comes amid concerns over Taiwan, where tensions between Washington and Beijing could trigger broader military confrontation.
Furthermore, the son of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has appealed to Xi to release his 78-year-old father.
The summit therefore offers both leaders an opportunity to maintain dialogue while addressing several unresolved disputes.
Trump to host Xi next week but with little expectations
