Trump Hosts Xi for White House Ceremony and Talks

Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday, September 24, for a state arrival ceremony as the leaders began talks on trade, artificial intelligence and other issues in U.S.-China relations. The ceremony involved 479 U.S. service members and included a flyover by a B-2 bomber accompanied by four F-22 fighter jets, according to an account of the event. Trump and first lady Melania Trump had greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews the previous day, as Xi began a three-day visit. The arrival ceremony at the White House featured military bands, national anthems and remarks by both presidents. Trump and Xi also reviewed troops and watched performances by military musical and drill units. The talks took place amid unresolved differences over tariffs, technology and Taiwan. A U.S. official said artificial intelligence and the tariff truce were on the agenda, but the available accounts do not establish what the leaders agreed, if anything. The truce’s reported expiration date is inconsistent: accounts cited both January 10 and November 10. Its end date therefore remains unclear from the information available.