Xi Returns to White House After 11 Years; Past Pledges Face Scrutiny

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the White House on September 24, marking his first return in 11 years since a 2015 joint press conference with then-President Barack Obama. Experts say his past promises will now face scrutiny. During the 2015 Rose Garden event, Xi stated China's construction on the Nansha Islands was not aimed at militarization. However, experts note Beijing has since expanded military deployments, building runways, hangars, docks, and missile systems on reefs like Mischief, Subi, and Fiery Cross. Analysts highlight a gap between Xi's diplomatic language and subsequent actions, including increased coast guard and military activity in the South China Sea and near Taiwan. This visit is seen as a test of Beijing's credibility on security commitments.