Trump Xi
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan walk in the Cross Hall to a State Dinner in the East Room at the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington.
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Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met on Thursday for important talks on the U.S.-China relationship. They are divided on issues like the Iran war and trade, but both leaders hope personal rapport can prevent conflict. Trump emphasized their friendship, while Xi stressed healthy competition. Xi warned against falling into the “Thucydides trap,” the theory that rising powers clash with established ones. China is resisting U.S. pressure on Iran, while Xi urges Trump to handle Taiwan carefully. They also discussed AI, agreeing it should remain under human control. Some analysts say the talks appeared to focus more on ceremony than substance.
