Trump and Xi Meet at White House in Historic Summit as Superpowers Navigate Tensions

Historic Summit Underway

Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan are having a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25, 2026, received by President Donald Trump. This is the first time a Chinese leader has made a second formal state visit to America, with the last such visit occurring in September 2015 at the invitation of President Obama.

Key Agenda Items

Trump and Xi are meeting at the White House for a high-stakes summit about trade, artificial intelligence and the Iran war. The pair last met in May during Trump's two-day state visit to Beijing, where the U.S. and China delegations discussed tariffs, rare mineral trade, and the Strait of Hormuz. Trump touted what he described as a "great meeting" with Xi on Thursday, as the two superpowers seek greater dialogue despite differences over issues such as Iran, Taiwan, AI and trade.

Ceremonial Events

On Thursday morning, September 24, the President and First Lady hosted a State Arrival Ceremony honoring Xi, which featured 479 military personnel representing all branches of the United States Armed Forces. The leaders headed to the Rose Garden for a military review, after which Trump and Xi held a bilateral meeting lasting just over an hour, before proceeding to a state dinner in the White House's East Room in the evening.

Broader Context

China analysts broadly predict the leaders' personal relationship and policy goals will lead to a cautious summit that yields few major deliverables. On September 20, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with U.S. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York City, where they agreed to set up an AI dialogue.