Trump plans lavish welcome for Xi Jinping ahead of difficult talks - Reuters
Photo: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (Getty Images)
The United States has planned lavish ceremonies and large-scale events to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, talks between the two leaders are not expected to be easy, Reuters reports.
Lavish ceremonies amid tensions
US President Donald Trump will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on September 23 for a three-day visit.
Upon the Chinese leader’s arrival, Trump will greet Xi and his wife on the tarmac when they arrive in the evening at a military base in Maryland. The First Aviation Brigade is based there.
The following events are also planned:
- An official dinner with technology industry leaders,
- A military ceremony at the White House featuring jet flyovers,
- A visit to the National Archives, which houses the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
What is planned
Corporate executives from companies important to the markets of both countries are expected to attend the official dinner on Thursday:
- Apple,
- Nvidia,
- OpenAI.
As with the two previous meetings since 2025, the leaders are planning public events according to a carefully scripted scenario.
Instead of a joint press conference or statement at the end, the countries are expected to issue bilateral announcements for domestic audiences.
Expectations for the visit
The 11-month trade truce between the US and China expires in November. However, the two sides have differences over various issues.
People familiar with the plans told Reuters that Xi is likely to press Beijing’s claims over Taiwan. Washington would prefer to avoid this issue, they said.
Trump is also likely to maintain tight controls on US exports despite Xi’s objections.
The talks scheduled for September 24 could nevertheless lead to:
- Agreements to reduce tariffs in certain sectors,
- Cooperation in combating illegal drug trafficking,
- Expanded dialogue between the militaries.
According to sources, Trump is expected to push for the release of some Americans and other people being held in China.
The two countries could also agree to discuss issues related to artificial intelligence more extensively. The US and China are competitors in this field.
The leaders themselves may not feel the need to compromise, analysts say.
Iran is also likely to be discussed during the talks. Washington believes that Beijing can use its influence over Tehran. However, Trump said he sees no need to seek help from China.
Xi Jinping is also expected to press Trump to reduce arms sales to Taiwan, after raising the issue at their last meeting in Beijing.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that ahead of US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Ukraine proposed involving Beijing in putting pressure on Russia.
It also became known that US allies in Asia are concerned that the US president could make concessions to China on Taiwan or trade in exchange for economic agreements with Beijing.
