Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for closer cooperation with the United States, saying the two countries should be “partners rather than rivals.”
Xi made the remarks after arriving in Washington for a three-day state visit. US President Donald Trump personally welcomed him at Joint Base Andrews in a rare airport reception.
The visit comes as Washington and Beijing attempt to maintain a fragile period of economic stability. Trade, artificial intelligence, technology, Taiwan and the Iran conflict are among the major issues expected to shape their discussions.
Xi Jinping Calls for Cooperation With US
Xi said China and the United States should build a stable relationship based on cooperation and controlled competition.
“Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals,” Xi said in written remarks reported by Chinese state media.
He also said the interests of the Chinese and American peoples were deeply connected.
Xi said he looked forward to detailed discussions with Trump on bilateral relations and major global issues.
He also suggested that China’s national development goals and Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda could coexist.
“I am confident we can achieve this,” Xi said.
The Chinese president added that cooperation between the two countries could improve the well-being of their populations and contribute to global peace.
Trump Gives Xi Rare Airport Welcome
Trump personally travelled to Joint Base Andrews to welcome Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan.
The reception featured a red carpet, military band and formal ceremony elements. Trump and Xi stood together as national anthems played following the Chinese delegation’s arrival.
The welcome marked an unusually personal gesture from a US president toward a Chinese leader.
Trump’s reception also came despite significant disagreements between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology and geopolitical issues.
The White House had announced before the visit that Trump would host Xi for an official state visit on Thursday.
US-China Trade Truce Extended
The visit began with an important development on trade.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Washington and Beijing had agreed to extend their existing trade truce until January 10, 2027.
The arrangement had previously been scheduled to expire on November 10. The extension gives both governments additional time to negotiate broader economic issues.
The trade truce has helped reduce some of the tariff pressure between the world’s two largest economies.
However, major disagreements remain over tariffs, technology restrictions, rare earths and other strategic economic issues.
AI Competition Takes Centre Stage
Artificial intelligence is expected to become another major subject during the Trump-Xi talks.
China and the United States are competing for leadership in AI, while both countries are also developing policies around advanced technology and national security.
Officials have already discussed creating communication channels focused on AI-related concerns. Preliminary talks between Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng included the issue.
Technology leaders are also expected to feature prominently during the state visit.
Several major US technology executives are scheduled to attend a White House state dinner, highlighting the growing importance of AI and technology in US-China relations.
Iran Conflict Adds Another Challenge
The ongoing Iran conflict is also expected to feature in the discussions.
Trump confirmed that Iran would be among the issues he planned to discuss with Xi.
Washington has raised concerns about China’s relationship with Tehran, while Beijing has sought to maintain its diplomatic and economic interests in the region.
Analysts have also identified the Middle East as an important part of the summit because the conflict has affected energy markets and broader geopolitical relations.
However, reports about Chinese intelligence support for Iran remain contested, and the two governments have not publicly established a shared position on the issue.
Expectations Remain Cautious
Despite the elaborate welcome, expectations for a major breakthrough remain limited.
The two countries continue to disagree over trade, technology, Taiwan and strategic competition.
Experts cited by international media have described the current approach as an effort to maintain stability while managing differences rather than resolving every dispute.
For Trump and Xi, maintaining direct communication could therefore be as important as reaching immediate agreements.
The three-day visit is expected to include formal talks, a state banquet and further ceremonial events before Xi leaves Washington.
The summit will ultimately test whether the recent improvement in US-China economic relations can develop into a more stable relationship between the two global powers.
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