Trump and Xi hail friendship as China's leader urges 'healthy' competition

President Donald Trump hailed his "truly great friendship" with Xi Jinping as the Chinese leader began his state visit, while Xi urged the two powers to ensure their competition remains "healthy" and within bounds. The leaders met for formal talks at the White House on Thursday. The two sides extended their trade truce by two months, and Xi announced China will invite 100,000 American youth for exchanges and send two pandas to Atlanta. Xi also stressed the need to keep AI under human control, while Trump highlighted the technology as a key agenda item. Trump's lavish welcome for Xi drew criticism from lawmakers in both parties, and the leaders also discussed thorny issues including Taiwan arms sales, the Iran conflict, and Venezuela. Xi reiterated his warning against the "Thucydides trap" of rising power conflict.