Washington, 24 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for high-level US-China talks covering artificial intelligence, trade, Taiwan and Iran, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Trump Welcomes Xi to the White House
Xi is in the United States for a state visit from 23 to 25 September, his first trip to the country in nearly three years. Thursday’s White House summit follows negotiations between senior officials from the world’s two largest economies.
Trump struck a positive tone as the leaders met despite continuing disputes between Washington and Beijing.
“We have a truly great friendship,” Trump said as he welcomed Xi.
The meeting follows an agreement to extend the existing US-China trade truce by two months. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the extension gives negotiators more time to pursue a broader agreement. The truce had been due to expire on 10 November.
Artificial Intelligence Shapes the Summit Agenda
Artificial intelligence is a central element of the discussions as the United States and China compete to develop advanced models, semiconductors and increasingly separate technology supply chains. Investors are also maintaining exposure to companies on both sides of the technological divide.
The two governments have nevertheless identified AI safety as an area where limited cooperation may be possible. Bessent said officials agreed to continue talks on AI risks and emergency communications, with another meeting planned in Shenzhen within two months.
The US-China talks also come amid disputes over critical minerals. China remains dominant in rare-earth processing, leaving Washington dependent on Chinese supplies while the US expands its own mining and processing capacity.
Taiwan Remains a Major Point of Disagreement
Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues between the two governments.
Hours before the summit, Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin urged Washington to exercise “extreme caution” over arms sales to Taiwan. He also said the US-China military relationship should remain stable, sound and sustainable.
Trade, agricultural purchases, technology restrictions and Iran are also among the issues surrounding Thursday’s discussions.
Netanyahu Prepares to Address the United Nations
In New York, Netanyahu is expected to address the UN General Assembly during an unusually short US visit. Israeli officials said he was expected to spend less than eight hours in the city before returning to Israel.
Ahead of the trip, Netanyahu said he intended to defend Israel’s military actions and respond to international criticism.
“I will tell the truth,” Netanyahu said when outlining the message he planned to take to the General Assembly.
His address comes amid protests in New York and continuing international disputes over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, Iran and regional security.
Trade and AI Discussions Continue After Summit
Attention after the US-China talks will turn to whether the two governments announce concrete progress on trade, critical minerals or other areas discussed by Trump and Xi.
AI discussions are already expected to continue separately, with US and Chinese officials due to meet again in Shenzhen within two months. Netanyahu’s UN address will meanwhile place Middle East security and Israel’s international relations back at the centre of the General Assembly debate.
