Trump and Xi to Meet September 23 as AI, Tariffs, and Rare Minerals Top Agenda

President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on September 23, with a trade truce expiring November 10 and AI competition, tariffs, and rare minerals topping the agenda. The meeting follows preparatory talks between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China's Vice Premier He Lifeng. Key issues include extending the Busan trade agreement, setting purchase targets for agricultural goods and Boeing aircraft, and negotiating a $30 billion package of non-sensitive goods. China has leveraged its dominance in rare earth exports, which are critical for AI hardware, as a bargaining chip. AI safety discussions are planned, though Beijing seeks eased restrictions while US businesses fear being outpaced. Taiwan arms sales and Iran ties remain sensitive topics, with analysts expecting minimal concessions.