Trump welcomes China's Xi at White House for face-to-face talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at the White House on September 24, where he was welcomed by US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump ahead of high-stakes talks between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies.

Xi was accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan, as he began an elaborate White House welcome ceremony featuring remarks by both leaders and military displays before their closed-door talks.

Speaking in the Grand Foyer, Trump said he and Xi had made “tremendous strides” in addressing issues between the two countries.

Trump said their discussions would cover security, technology and what he called “superintelligence,” or SI, arguing that decisions in these areas could help promote peace and prosperity for decades.

The presidents are also expected to discuss trade, advanced technology, Taiwan and the war in Iran. The meeting comes four months after Trump’s state visit to Beijing.

Trump said US and Chinese officials had been working to establish a more balanced trading relationship, including greater market access for American farmers and ranchers.

The US president also struck a conciliatory tone, calling for the two countries to focus on areas of common interest and highlighting their history of cooperation, including their alliance during World War II.

The White House schedule does not include a news conference, and it remains unclear whether Trump and Xi will take questions from US or Chinese reporters.

By Vafa Guliyeva