Xi Jinping and Trump Meet in Washington, Bypassing UN Assembly
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with US President Donald Trump in Washington, bypassing the UN General Assembly in New York, as the two leaders addressed tensions over Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and trade amid Trump's political struggles. Trump hosted Xi with full military ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, including a B-2 bomber flyover, mirroring his reception for Vladimir Putin. The meeting comes weeks before US midterm elections, with Trump facing pressure from the Iran war and domestic economic concerns. The Pentagon has delayed a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China opposes. Beijing may push for further delays, citing a 1982 joint communiqué. The US has also redeployed missile defense systems from Asia to the Middle East amid the Iran conflict, weakening its Pacific posture.