Trump and Xi meet at White House to ease rivalry, not resolve it

President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a state summit focused on showcasing stable ties, though major breakthroughs are not expected. The meeting is Xi's first visit to Washington in over a decade. The leaders aim to extend a trade truce expiring in November and discuss artificial intelligence threats, with possible deals on tariffs and military dialogue. Xi urged a "partners, not rivals" relationship, while Trump seeks reciprocation for his May visit to China. Tensions persist over Taiwan, export controls, and AI, with Xi pressing for halted arms sales to Taipei. Trump may maintain firm tech export controls despite a guest list featuring top CEOs, while both leaders face domestic pressures.