Trump and Xi meet in Washington to ease AI, trade, and Iran tensions

President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Washington this week amid escalating competition over artificial intelligence, trade, and geopolitical tensions, though neither side expects a major breakthrough. The meeting aims to stabilize fragile relations between the world's two largest economies. The visit, Xi's first to Washington in ten years, follows a climbdown from last year's trade war that threatened the global economy. Both nations continue to blacklist each other's companies and restrict high-tech flows while seeking leverage on issues like Iran and Taiwan. Analysts say the stability sought reflects deep competitive motives, with both leaders circling each other for strategic advantage. Experts urge quick, actionable deals, noting a "new normal" of overall stability despite persistent friction.