US President Donald Trump has described his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House as “great” as the Chinese leader continues his three-day visit to the United States.
Trump spoke briefly with reporters after the talks before Xi departed the White House. The two leaders are expected to attend a state dinner later, with senior figures from the technology sector, including artificial intelligence executives, among the guests.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump said Washington and Beijing had made “tremendous strides” in addressing major issues affecting both countries.
The discussions are expected to cover a range of sensitive areas, including security, technology and artificial intelligence, which Trump referred to as “super intelligence.”
Xi Jinping, meanwhile, called for continued dialogue between the two countries and urged fair treatment for Chinese companies operating in the United States.
“We hope that Chinese companies are treated fairly here,” Xi said, emphasising the importance of maintaining communication between the world’s two largest economies.
As part of efforts to strengthen relations, Xi highlighted the arrival of two giant pandas from Chengdu that are being transferred to an Atlanta zoo, describing the move as a sign of cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting comes amid longstanding tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology, security and global influence. Both leaders have sought to maintain engagement despite disagreements on several issues.
The White House welcomed Xi with a formal ceremony, although the visit created challenges for members of the press covering the event. BBC Washington correspondent Daniel Bush described the media arrangements as unusually chaotic, with journalists navigating crowded spaces and logistical difficulties during the high-profile diplomatic gathering.
The talks mark another attempt by the two leaders to manage relations between the United States and China while addressing areas of mutual interest.
