Xi Begins US Visit With Rare Trump Welcome

President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit in Washington, where talks addressed trade, security, artificial intelligence and tensions over Taiwan. The leaders struck a conciliatory tone, with Xi urging stronger communication and both emphasizing cooperation and avoiding conflict. They extended their trade truce until January 10, though significant disagreements remain, including over trade and Taiwan; Chinese rare-earth export controls have disrupted auto supply chains, prompting Ford to pause Explorer production for a week. Xi announced that 100,000 Americans would be invited to study in China and that two pandas would arrive at Zoo Atlanta, while Trump highlighted efforts to improve market access for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s high-profile welcome for Xi, accusing him of showing undue deference to authoritarian leaders.