RismadarVoice Reporters
September 25, 2026
United States President Donald Trump has hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping with elaborate ceremonies at the White House, as the two leaders sought to stabilise relations despite continuing disagreements over trade, technology, Taiwan and Iran.
Trump personally welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on their arrival in the Washington area before the Chinese leader participated in a formal arrival ceremony and state dinner. The White House has published footage of the ceremonial welcome.
The reception represented a highly symbolic display of diplomacy between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies at a time when Washington and Beijing remain divided over several strategic and economic issues.
During the visit, Trump described his relationship with Xi as a “truly great friendship,” highlighting the personal relationship he has sought to maintain with the Chinese leader despite longstanding tensions between their governments.
The two leaders held talks covering major issues in US-China relations, including trade, artificial intelligence and other geopolitical disputes. Their governments also extended an existing trade truce as negotiations over a broader agreement continued.
The cordial reception came against the backdrop of Trump’s previous confrontational rhetoric towards Beijing and years of disputes involving tariffs, Chinese trade practices and access to critical technologies and minerals.
China’s position in the global rare-earth supply chain remains particularly significant in negotiations with Washington, with the minerals playing an important role in technology and defence manufacturing.
Xi also adopted a conciliatory tone during the visit, emphasising the importance of managing competition between the two countries while maintaining dialogue.
The diplomatic engagement culminated in a state dinner at the White House on Thursday attended by senior government officials and prominent business and technology executives.
Despite the ceremonial warmth, major differences between Washington and Beijing remain unresolved, with the latest talks focused largely on managing tensions and extending existing arrangements rather than producing sweeping agreements.
