Xi Jinping Meets Trump in Washington as China's Power Grows

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Washington Wednesday for a three-day visit, meeting President Donald Trump from a position of significantly greater economic and technological strength than during their 2017 summit. The talks will focus on artificial intelligence and trade relations. Xi leads a transformed China, now a tech power with AI models rivaling Silicon Valley, a $1.2 trillion global trade surplus, and leverage over critical rare earth supply chains. Beijing aims to deter new US tech restrictions and secure a more reciprocal relationship, with both sides expected to extend a truce in their trade war. China's global standing has risen, with Pew Research showing more positive views of China than the US in most surveyed countries. Beijing is also positioning itself as a mediator on issues like the Iran conflict, signaling that Washington needs China's cooperation.