Trump and Xi Meet in Washington as Trade and AI Tensions Linger

President Xi Jinping arrives in Washington for a state visit focused on pageantry rather than policy, with low expectations for breakthroughs on trade, Taiwan, and AI disputes between the world's largest economies. The trip marks Xi's first state visit to the US capital since 2015. Both sides have lowered expectations, with preliminary talks failing to extend a tariff truce expiring in November. Key issues include US efforts to loosen China's rare earth grip, a proposed $14 billion US weapons package for Taiwan, and accusations over AI technology. The visit occurs at a sensitive time for both leaders, with Trump facing midterm election losses and Xi grappling with economic slowdown. Trump has banned three news outlets from the White House, and critics say the visit gives Xi a pass without significant constraints.