US President Donald Trump is preparing to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House next week, with the leaders expected to discuss trade, artificial intelligence, Iran and Taiwan during a high-profile summit.
Xi is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Sept 24. The visit will include a formal welcome ceremony and a state dinner, with US military personnel rehearsing ahead of the event.
Despite the ceremonial preparations, expectations for major breakthroughs remain limited. Analysts cited by AFP said the meeting could focus more on maintaining the current period of relative stability between the two countries than producing major new agreements.
Trade remains one of the central issues. The world’s two largest economies are still dealing with the effects of US tariffs, while officials continue to explore possible agreements involving tariffs, agricultural purchases and selected export controls.
Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature prominently. Washington and Beijing are competing for leadership in advanced AI, while remaining divided over access to sophisticated computer chips, technology transfers and regulation.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to hold talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng before the leaders meet. Discussions are expected to include economic issues as well as concerns related to Iran and US sanctions.
Iran is another source of tension. The United States and China have different positions over the conflict and sanctions on Tehran, while Washington has raised questions about reports that Chinese entities provided intelligence to Iran. Trump has played down some of the allegations and said Xi had behaved reasonably.
Taiwan is expected to be among the most sensitive subjects. Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and has not ruled out using force to achieve reunification, while Washington maintains its longstanding policy of strategic ambiguity over the island’s status.
Trump and Xi discussed Taiwan during their previous meeting in Beijing in May. Trump has said Xi repeatedly raised the issue, including US arms sales to Taiwan. A major US arms package for Taiwan remains under consideration.
The summit comes as both governments seek to manage competition without allowing tensions to escalate into a broader confrontation. Economic ties remain significant, but disagreements over technology, security, trade and Taiwan continue to complicate the relationship.
The leaders could also discuss plans for future meetings. Trump and Xi are expected to meet again at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in China in November, while Trump is expected to invite Xi to the G20 summit in Miami in December.
With the White House preparing an elaborate reception, the summit is expected to attract considerable attention. The main challenge for both sides will be finding areas where limited cooperation is possible while managing disputes that remain unresolved.
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