President Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington amid ongoing tensions

President Trump has hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington for a state visit, marking the first such trip by the Chinese leader to the White House in over a decade. The visit, which includes formal military ceremonies and a state dinner, takes place against a backdrop of significant friction between the two global powers. Key issues on the agenda include trade tariffs, the regulation of advanced artificial intelligence, and the status of Taiwan. While the administration seeks to manage the relationship, the visit has drawn criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Republican Senator Roger Wicker questioned the decision to host a lavish welcome, while Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal urged the president to address China's involvement with Iran more forcefully. Representative Ro Khanna has also called for urgent agreements on AI safety standards. Despite these tensions, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the two sides are open to discussing a broader trade deal beyond the existing truce brokered in Busan. President Xi, in an arrival statement, expressed a desire for a partnership where cooperation remains the mainstay and differences are managed.