Xi, Trump Push For Stable China-U.S. Ties, Cooperation On Trade And AI

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump have called for greater stability in China-U.S. relations, with both leaders highlighting cooperation in trade, artificial intelligence and other areas of global concern.

The call came during Xi’s state visit to the United States, which began with an unusual high-level welcome at Joint Base Andrews before the Chinese leader held talks with Trump at the White House on Thursday.

Xi said China and the United States should translate their shared vision of a constructive relationship of strategic stability into concrete action, stressing that the two countries must find an appropriate way to coexist as major powers.

He said the relationship should be built around cooperation as the mainstay, moderate competition, manageable differences and a commitment to peace.

According to Xi, the exchange of visits by the two countries’ presidents within less than six months is unprecedented in the history of China-U.S. relations. He said he and Trump had maintained communication through various channels while working to steer bilateral ties.

Xi also pointed to the deep economic interests shared by both countries, saying a stable economic and trade relationship requires expanding areas of cooperation while reducing outstanding problems.

“The two sides need to work in the same direction,” Xi said, emphasising equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit as principles for addressing differences.

He said the latest round of economic and trade consultations between the two countries had produced a new joint arrangement, describing the development as beneficial to businesses and people in both countries as well as the global economy.

AI Cooperation

Artificial intelligence also featured prominently in the discussions, with Xi saying the United States and China have strong reasons to cooperate despite competing in the sector.

He urged both sides to make use of their respective technological strengths rather than treat each other primarily as competitors.

Xi called for continued dialogue on the risks and benefits of AI, cooperation to prevent its misuse and abuse, and efforts to ensure that humans retain control over the technology.

He also advocated a people-centred approach to AI development, saying the technology should ultimately serve human progress.

Trump similarly described AI as an issue affecting the future of humanity and said the United States and China should maintain dialogue and strengthen cooperation in the field.

Taiwan And Global Issues

Xi also reiterated China’s position on Taiwan, urging Washington to oppose what Beijing describes as “Taiwan independence” and to handle the Taiwan question cautiously.

He said doing so would help create conditions for strategic cooperation and the continued development of bilateral relations.

Trump, for his part, described Xi’s state visit as a “great visit” and said the United States and China are major countries whose relationship could be managed well through the leadership of both presidents.

The two leaders also discussed major international and regional issues, including the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula.

They further agreed that China and the United States would support each other in hosting the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Xi had arrived in Washington on Wednesday for the three-day state visit at Trump’s invitation.

His arrival was marked by a rare planeside welcome from Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, a red carpet ceremony, military honours, a 21-gun salute, national anthems and a military flyover.

The visit comes against the backdrop of efforts by Beijing and Washington to stabilise their relationship after years of disputes over trade, technology, security and other strategic issues.

The latest talks have therefore placed emphasis on maintaining high-level communication, managing differences and expanding areas where the two countries can cooperate.