Xi's US Visit: What Beijing and Washington Aim to Show the World

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Washington on September 24, 2026, meeting with US President Donald Trump, with both sides prioritizing stability and image over substantive breakthroughs on key issues. According to Le Monde, no major progress was made on critical matters such as trade, Taiwan, and artificial intelligence, nor was significant advancement expected. The shared consensus was to avoid any new major crisis, making the visit focus heavily on ceremony and public messaging. Trump hosted Xi with elaborate honors, including a personal airport welcome and state dinner, while Xi repeatedly emphasized "strategic stability." The two leaders highlighted their personal rapport, though Le Monde noted contrasts in their public portrayals, including a video where Trump showed Xi a removed portrait of former President Joe Biden.