Trump to host Xi for trade and AI talks in Washington

President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington this week for high-stakes talks on trade, artificial intelligence, and other economic issues, beginning Wednesday with an unusual greeting at Joint Base Andrews. The schedule includes a state dinner Thursday with tech CEOs and private closed-door meetings. Officials said the U.S. and China may ease tariffs on certain nonstrategic goods, while discussions will also address China's rare earth mineral exports essential for manufacturing. Trump emphasized U.S. leadership in AI, announcing plans for an "AI Force" and a new AI czar. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are separately meeting China's Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York.