Xi Jinping’s Visit to the U.S. Concludes with Events at the White House
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who leads the Communist Party, is set to leave the United States today. But first, he’s stopping by the National Archives for a final visit.
Earlier today, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed President Xi and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, for morning tea in the White House’s Red Room. Following their meeting, the two couples made their way to the National Archives. According to the White House, this visit is meant to showcase “a variety of important records and documents significant to the American and Chinese relationship throughout history.”
After this visit, Trump will say goodbye to Xi, marking the end of a two-and-a-half-day summit that was notably charged with tension.
The National Archives is home to some of the most vital documents in American history, including the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.
Overview of the Trump-Xi Summit
The two leaders convened at the White House on Thursday morning, during which they held a state arrival ceremony. This included military honors, a troop review, the playing of both nations’ national anthems, and a flyover featuring a B2 stealth bomber alongside four fighter jets. A crowd of reporters, both local and international, were present, eager to catch a glimpse of Trump and Xi, especially since Xi does not frequently visit the West.
Trump and his team engaged in bi-lateral discussions with the Chinese delegation that stretched from late morning into early afternoon, lasting several hours. Private talks also took place between Xi and Trump in the Oval Office. After the meetings, Trump shared a moment with Xi on the White House’s South Lawn, where they viewed Marine One and its accompanying new helipad.
Additionally, they toured a ballroom under renovation in the White House, and Trump pointed out the Presidential Walk of Fame outside the West Wing, which showcases portraits of past presidents.
During their time together, there’s a humorous note—Trump placed an image of an autopen where Biden’s picture typically goes, a nod to his criticisms of Biden’s use of the autopen during his presidency. Both leaders appeared to share a laugh at this moment, as shown in social media clips.
Meanwhile, outside the White House, a group of protesters voiced their opposition to Chinese policies. Their chants filled the air throughout the day, continuing into the evening. Phrases like “Free Hong Kong,” “Xi Jinping, you’re not welcome,” and demands for the release of political prisoners could even be heard during the state dinner at the White House.
Negotiations and Agreements
Prior to the visit, a White House official indicated that Trump planned to address a range of topics, including potential tariff reductions on non-strategic goods, rare-earth exports, and how China could do more to combat the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals. Trump described the meetings as “great,” but did not provide further details or take questions from the media.
A highlight from Xi’s visit included his announcement that China would send two giant pandas, named Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, to Zoo Atlanta as part of a conservation agreement. Additionally, Xi extended an invitation for 100,000 American youths to visit China for cultural exchanges and study in the coming five years.
Following their discussions, Xi briefly left the White House but returned later that evening for a state dinner commencing at 8:00 p.m. Trump began the dinner by toasting to peace and prosperity for both nations.
Among the guests were members of the Second Family, various cabinet officials, and influential figures from the banking and tech industries.
Notably, the attendance of several American leaders in artificial intelligence underscored the significance of this technology, especially in the context of the ongoing competition between China and the U.S. for AI leadership.
