US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington on Wednesday as the two leaders began a three-day visit focused on trade, technology, Taiwan and other major areas of tension between the two economic powers.
The visit marks Xi’s first trip to the United States in nearly three years and comes amid efforts by Washington and Beijing to maintain stability in their strained relationship.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the two sides had reached an agreement to extend their 11-month trade truce. According to Bessent, the truce will now continue until January 10, instead of expiring on November 10.
Trump personally greeted Xi at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, highlighting the importance Washington has attached to the visit. The two leaders, accompanied by their wives, exchanged handshakes and posed for photographs during a formal arrival ceremony.
Xi said in a written statement that China and the United States should be “partners, not rivals,” although the statement did not mention the reported trade agreement.
The extension of the trade truce could provide some relief to global markets still dealing with the effects of the tariff conflict between the world’s two largest economies. The 2025 trade war saw Washington and Beijing impose tariffs reaching triple-digit levels on some goods.
However, several major disputes remain unresolved. Washington and Beijing continue to disagree over export controls on computer chips and rare-earth minerals, China’s relationship with Iran and US support for Taiwan.
The leaders may also discuss the conflict involving Iran, although it remains uncertain whether China will play a role in efforts to resolve the crisis.
Trump’s meeting with Xi comes after a week of diplomatic activity that included his participation in the United Nations General Assembly. Meanwhile, Xi arrives in Washington as China’s trade sector remains strong, despite weak domestic consumption and difficulties in the property market.
The visit will also feature a state dinner expected to bring together prominent technology executives, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Further meetings between Trump and Xi could take place later this year at international summits, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in China or the G20 gathering in the United States.
