Xi Heads to Washington for First State Visit in Over a Decade

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrives in Washington Wednesday for his first state visit in over a decade, seeking stability amid intense U.S.-China competition across technology, military, and global influence. The visit marks a shift from 2015, when the U.S. welcomed China's rise. Since 2015, China has become a near-peer to the U.S., matching Trump's 125% tariffs and leveraging critical mineral processing monopolies. Beijing has reduced reliance on U.S. exports, which now account for 11% of its shipments, while advancing in manufacturing, military capabilities, and space programs. Xi is expected to press Trump on delaying arms sales to Taiwan, while Trump greets him planeside at Joint Base Andrews. The Pentagon warns China's growing arsenal now directly threatens U.S. homeland security, a stark contrast to the 2015 assessment.