China and the United States have agreed to a reciprocal tariff-reduction arrangement covering $30 billion worth of goods and will launch a new dialogue on artificial intelligence, Beijing said on Saturday (Sep 26). This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to Washington, during which he held talks with US President Donald Trump.The agreements formed part of an eight-point consensus reached during Xi’s meetings with US President Donald Trump, as the world’s two largest economies seek to stabilise ties after months of trade tensions.<h2>Trade takes centre stage</h2>According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides endorsed the work of their economic teams and agreed to establish a trade council alongside the tariff-reduction arrangement.The deal covers $30 billion of non-sensitive goods in each direction, according to a White House fact sheet released after the summit. The two countries also agreed to build on outcomes from their earlier talks in Kuala Lumpur.Washington and Beijing had already agreed to extend their existing trade truce by two months, pushing the deadline beyond November 10 and giving negotiators more time to work towards a broader agreement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.The summit ended with several mechanisms for continued engagement, although the leaders did not announce a sweeping new trade deal.<h2>AI gets a new channel</h2>Artificial intelligence emerged as another area where Washington and Beijing agreed to maintain direct communication.The two sides will establish a dialogue covering the risks and benefits of advanced AI technologies, with the next round scheduled for November. They will also create a communication channel for AI-related incidents.Xi said China and the US had “more reasons to cooperate than compete” on AI, arguing that both countries should exchange views on risks and work to prevent misuse and abuse of the technology.<h2>Iran, global summits also discussed</h2>The leaders also discussed foreign policy, agreeing that Iran should uphold its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. They said no country or entity should impose tolls on international waterways.Washington and Beijing also agreed to support each other as hosts of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting and G20 summit, with both leaders signalling plans to attend the gatherings hosted by the other.The two sides further recalled that China and the United States fought as allies during World War Two, adding a historical note to a summit focused largely on managing their modern rivalry.&nbsp;

China and the US agreed to a $30 billion tariff-reduction arrangement and new AI dialogue during Xi Jinping’s US visit, as both sides seek to stabilise ties after months of trade tensions.

China and the United States have agreed to a reciprocal tariff-reduction arrangement covering $30 billion worth of goods and will launch a new dialogue on artificial intelligence, Beijing said on Saturday (Sep 26). This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to Washington, during which he held talks with US President Donald Trump. The agreements formed part of an eight-point consensus reached during Xi’s meetings with US President Donald Trump, as the world’s two largest economies seek to stabilise ties after months of trade tensions. Trade takes centre stage According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides endorsed the work of their economic teams and agreed to establish a trade council alongside the tariff-reduction arrangement. The deal covers $30 billion of non-sensitive goods in each direction, according to a White House fact sheet released after the summit. The two countries also agreed to build on outcomes from their earlier talks in Kuala Lumpur. Washington and Beijing had already agreed to extend their existing trade truce by two months, pushing the deadline beyond November 10 and giving negotiators more time to work towards a broader agreement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. The summit ended with several mechanisms for continued engagement, although the leaders did not announce a sweeping new trade deal. AI gets a new channel Artificial intelligence emerged as another area where Washington and Beijing agreed to maintain direct communication. The two sides will establish a dialogue covering the risks and benefits of advanced AI technologies, with the next round scheduled for November. They will also create a communication channel for AI-related incidents. Xi said China and the US had “more reasons to cooperate than compete” on AI, arguing that both countries should exchange views on risks and work to prevent misuse and abuse of the technology. Iran, global summits also discussed The leaders also discussed foreign policy, agreeing that Iran should uphold its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. They said no country or entity should impose tolls on international waterways. Washington and Beijing also agreed to support each other as hosts of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting and G20 summit, with both leaders signalling plans to attend the gatherings hosted by the other. The two sides further recalled that China and the United States fought as allies during World War Two, adding a historical note to a summit focused largely on managing their modern rivalry.

China and the US agreed to a $30 billion tariff-reduction arrangement and new AI dialogue during Xi Jinping’s US visit, as both sides seek to stabilise ties after months of trade tensions.

China, US strike $30 billion tariff deal, agree to launch AI dialogue

As leaders of the world’s two biggest economies met in Washington, there was anticipation in the air, along with key sticking points.Even as U.S. President Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Xi, the summit seems to pretty much be driven by optics rather than substantive outcomes.In an unprecedented gesture, the U.S. President and the first lady personally welcomed Xi Jinping along with spouse at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. This marked the first time in 67 years that a U.S. President received a foreign leader at the airport.This was followed by a grand welcome ceremony at the White House. The leaders then attended a military review, which featured trumpeters and a series of performances by traditional military bands. The ceremony concluded with a special fly-over by a B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22 Raptor fighter jets.In another significant gesture, Trump’s daughter Ivanka wore a dress and matching jacket, reportedly designed by a Chinese fashion designer, during the welcome ceremony.There was also a personal touch on display during the lavish state dinner hosted by Trump for Xi.On this occasion, Trump and his wife gifted Xi a bald eagle statue, which they helped personally design. Xi too was effusive in his praise for Trump. Listen in to what he said…But what really was achieved in the bilateral talks between the two leaders?Let’s dissect that now.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-capital-moves-to-rename-street-as-tensions-with-us-rise-1790358628984/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-capital-moves-to-rename-street-as-tensions-with-us-rise-1790358628984/embed</a>Xi stated that both sides had reached new common understandings, enriching the constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.On the other hand, Trump described his meeting with Xi as very productive. He said and I am quoting him, “Tremendous things will happen”.He also claimed that Xi agreed with him on calling artificial intelligence as ‘super intelligence’.According to China though, Xi told Trump that there is more opportunity for cooperation than competition on AI. He called for exchanging views on risks and benefits of AI and together guarding against its misuse.However, there was no sign that their talks yielded any breakthroughs on the thorny issues such as Taiwan and the war with Iran.Speaking to CNBC, U.S. Envoy to China David Perdue revealed that Trump had conveyed to Xi, that any kind of help to Iran is unacceptable.While he claimed that multiple agreements were reached pertaining to trade, Perdue added that details will be released only on Monday. However, China is yet to confirm the same.As Trump remains unable to wriggle out of the Iran war, Xi once again invoked the Thucydides Trap, a historical term that warns of conflict between a rising power and an established superpower.As far as the trade front is concerned, both countries agreed to extend their last year’s trade truce until January 10 next year.However, no clear assurance was forthcoming from China as far as regular supply of rare earths to U.S. is concerned.While Trump remains silent on going ahead with the arms deal with Taiwan, Xinhua claimed that Xi raised this issue during the bilateral talks.According to this report, Xi expressed hope that Washington would oppose Taiwan’s independence and prudently handle the Taiwan question to lay a foundation for China-U.S. strategic cooperation.With Xi set to depart from U.S. in a short while from now on, suspense remains over whether both sides release a joint statement on the future trajectory of their bilateral ties…

U.S. and Chinese leaders met in Washington for a high-optics summit featuring lavish ceremonies, but made limited substantive breakthroughs on critical issues like AI, trade, Taiwan, and Iran.



As leaders of the world’s two biggest economies met in Washington, there was anticipation in the air, along with key sticking points. Even as U.S. President Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Xi, the summit seems to pretty much be driven by optics rather than substantive outcomes. In an unprecedented gesture, the U.S. President and the first lady personally welcomed Xi Jinping along with spouse at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. This marked the first time in 67 years that a U.S. President received a foreign leader at the airport. This was followed by a grand welcome ceremony at the White House. The leaders then attended a military review, which featured trumpeters and a series of performances by traditional military bands. The ceremony concluded with a special fly-over by a B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22 Raptor fighter jets. In another significant gesture, Trump’s daughter Ivanka wore a dress and matching jacket, reportedly designed by a Chinese fashion designer, during the welcome ceremony. There was also a personal touch on display during the lavish state dinner hosted by Trump for Xi. On this occasion, Trump and his wife gifted Xi a bald eagle statue, which they helped personally design. Xi too was effusive in his praise for Trump. Listen in to what he said… But what really was achieved in the bilateral talks between the two leaders? Let’s dissect that now. https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-capital-moves-to-rename-street-as-tensions-with-us-rise-1790358628984/embed Xi stated that both sides had reached new common understandings, enriching the constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. On the other hand, Trump described his meeting with Xi as very productive. He said and I am quoting him, “Tremendous things will happen”. He also claimed that Xi agreed with him on calling artificial intelligence as ‘super intelligence’. According to China though, Xi told Trump that there is more opportunity for cooperation than competition on AI. He called for exchanging views on risks and benefits of AI and together guarding against its misuse. However, there was no sign that their talks yielded any breakthroughs on the thorny issues such as Taiwan and the war with Iran. Speaking to CNBC, U.S. Envoy to China David Perdue revealed that Trump had conveyed to Xi, that any kind of help to Iran is unacceptable. While he claimed that multiple agreements were reached pertaining to trade, Perdue added that details will be released only on Monday. However, China is yet to confirm the same. As Trump remains unable to wriggle out of the Iran war, Xi once again invoked the Thucydides Trap, a historical term that warns of conflict between a rising power and an established superpower. As far as the trade front is concerned, both countries agreed to extend their last year’s trade truce until January 10 next year. However, no clear assurance was forthcoming from China as far as regular supply of rare earths to U.S. is concerned. While Trump remains silent on going ahead with the arms deal with Taiwan, Xinhua claimed that Xi raised this issue during the bilateral talks. According to this report, Xi expressed hope that Washington would oppose Taiwan’s independence and prudently handle the Taiwan question to lay a foundation for China-U.S. strategic cooperation. With Xi set to depart from U.S. in a short while from now on, suspense remains over whether both sides release a joint statement on the future trajectory of their bilateral ties…

U.S. and Chinese leaders met in Washington for a high-optics summit featuring lavish ceremonies, but made limited substantive breakthroughs on critical issues like AI, trade, Taiwan, and Iran.&nbsp;

China cool to feverish American diplomacy

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet in Washington on Thursday (Sep 24), with trade once again at the centre of a relationship that has swung between tariff escalation and uneasy truces.The two countries have pulled back from the extraordinary tariff battle that pushed US duties on Chinese imports as high as 145 per cent and China's retaliatory tariffs to 125 per cent. But the underlying disputes have not disappeared. Tariffs, rare earths, agricultural purchases and technology controls remain unresolved, while new disagreements over artificial intelligence and sanctions linked to Iran are adding fresh complications.The latest talks are expected to focus on keeping the current trade truce intact. That arrangement is due to expire on November 10 unless Washington and Beijing extend it. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said maintaining the truce was a focus of recent discussions with Chinese officials.Here are the main economic disputes Trump and Xi will have to navigate.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-sanctions-bill-trump-100-percent-tariff-india-china-1789610901670">Trump gets new power to hit India, China with up to 100% tariffs as US Senate clears Russia sanctions bill</a><h2>Tariffs: the biggest unresolved trade fight</h2>Tariffs remain the most visible sign of the US-China trade conflict. Trump's return to the White House triggered a new round of tariff action in 2025, followed by Chinese retaliation. At the height of that confrontation, Washington's tariffs on Chinese goods reached 145 per cent while Beijing's duties on American imports climbed to 125 per cent. Talks in Geneva and later negotiations in South Korea brought those rates down and created a temporary ceasefire.That truce remains fragile. Different US estimates show that Chinese goods still face substantially higher tariffs than imports from many other major trading partners.The question now is whether Trump and Xi will simply extend the existing arrangement or try to widen it into a more durable trade framework.The US has also been discussing a proposed $30 billion reduction package covering so-called non-critical goods, while Beijing could make additional purchases of American products.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spy-vs-spy-as-xi-meets-trump-a-12-year-history-of-us-china-espionage-accusations-wion-decodes-1790071582437">SPY VS SPY: As Xi meets Trump, a 12-year history of US-China espionage accusations | WION Decodes</a><h2>Rare earths: China's leverage over US industry</h2>Rare earths have emerged as one of Beijing's most powerful economic levers. These minerals and the magnets made from them are essential to products ranging from electronics and electric vehicles to advanced military equipment. China dominates the processing of many critical minerals, a dependency that Washington has increasingly treated as a national security concern. The US Commerce Department has described China's position in critical-mineral processing as a vulnerability for American industry.China tightened export controls on rare earths in 2025 during the trade confrontation. Those restrictions became a major bargaining point in negotiations with Washington.As part of the late-2025 agreement, Beijing suspended the implementation of broader export restrictions and agreed to facilitate exports of rare earths and other critical minerals to US users. Washington, in return, suspended or reduced some of its trade measures.But the issue is not settled. Ahead of the latest summit, US officials have been pushing for more consistent supplies, while Chinese shipments of rare earth magnets to the United States fell in August, according to Chinese customs data cited by the Financial Times.For Washington, the dispute is about reducing dependence on China. For Beijing, rare earths provide leverage in negotiations because alternative supply chains cannot be built quickly.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-may-have-gained-access-to-us-s-classified-f-35-jets-parts-meant-for-repairs-diverted-to-hong-kong-sparking-pentagon-inquiry-1789789538070">China may have gained access to US's classified F-35 jets; parts meant for repairs diverted to Hong Kong, sparking Pentagon inquiry</a><h2>Agriculture: promises versus deliveries</h2>American farm exports have repeatedly featured in Trump-Xi negotiations, particularly soybeans. The two countries have used agricultural purchases as part of broader trade bargains, with China agreeing to buy US farm products in exchange for changes in American tariffs and restrictions.But Washington has continued to question whether Beijing has fully met some commitments from previous agreements. Bessent said this week that “some deliverables” under an earlier Trump-Xi agreement had not been completely fulfilled.Agriculture is therefore both a commercial issue and a political one for the Trump administration, because China is a major market for American farmers.Recent talks have included expectations of further US agricultural purchases. Reuters reported that China was on track to meet a commitment to buy 25 million metric tonnes of US agricultural products annually through 2028, while additional imports were also being discussed.The broader disagreement is over whether purchase commitments can produce a lasting rebalancing of trade or merely form part of temporary summit deals.<h2>Semiconductors and AI: trade is becoming technology policy</h2>The US-China trade dispute is no longer just about goods crossing borders. It increasingly extends to the technology needed to produce them.Washington has restricted China's access to some advanced semiconductors and chipmaking technologies, citing national security concerns. Beijing has responded with its own controls and measures affecting foreign companies and strategic technologies.The US Trade Representative's 2026 report said it had determined that China's targeting of the semiconductor industry for dominance creates economic and national security risks for the United States. Washington has announced a Section 301 tariff measure on Chinese semiconductors, initially set at zero but scheduled to rise from June 2027.Artificial intelligence has now been added to that technology dispute.Bessent said recent US-China discussions included creating a mechanism for the two countries to notify each other about AI incidents with national security implications. The upcoming summit is also expected to address AI safety and the rules surrounding increasingly powerful models.<h2>Fentanyl chemicals and trade restrictions</h2>The flow of chemicals used to manufacture illicit fentanyl has been another source of tension.Washington has accused Chinese suppliers of being a major source of precursor chemicals and has used tariffs and other trade measures to pressure Beijing.China agreed in late 2025 to tighten controls on designated chemicals and take measures to curb the flow of fentanyl precursors. The United States subsequently reduced part of its fentanyl-related tariff burden.But the issue remains active. China has introduced additional export controls on precursor chemicals ahead of Xi's visit, showing that the subject remains part of the wider economic relationship.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-greenland-security-deal-with-denmark-paving-way-for-two-new-us-military-bases-1790128313245">Trump signs Greenland security deal with Denmark, paving way for two new US military bases</a><h2>Iran sanctions add another layer</h2>The Iran conflict is not traditionally a US-China trade dispute, but it is increasingly tied to the economic relationship.The Trump administration's sanctions campaign against Iran has put pressure on Chinese companies and financial institutions that conduct business with Tehran. Washington has so far avoided directly targeting Beijing, but US officials have held discussions with their Chinese counterparts over the issue.Bessent said the subject was raised during recent talks with Chinese officials and that Chinese financial authorities had been engaged in discussions.That creates another potential point of friction just as Washington is trying to preserve its trade truce with Beijing.<h2>What is at stake at the Trump-Xi meeting?</h2>The US and China remain deeply economically intertwined despite the trade war. US goods trade with China totalled $414.6 billion in 2025, while services trade added another $80 billion, according to US government figures. The US goods deficit with China was $202.7 billion that year.The immediate issue is whether the two leaders can keep the current truce from unravelling before its November 10 expiry. Beyond that lies a much harder question: whether the world's two largest economies can manage their competition without repeatedly returning to tariffs, export controls and retaliatory measures.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet in Washington on Thursday with a fragile US-China trade truce at stake. Tariffs remain unresolved, but rare earths, farm purchases, semiconductors, AI and Iran sanctions could make the talks far more complicated.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet in Washington on Thursday (Sep 24), with trade once again at the centre of a relationship that has swung between tariff escalation and uneasy truces. The two countries have pulled back from the extraordinary tariff battle that pushed US duties on Chinese imports as high as 145 per cent and China's retaliatory tariffs to 125 per cent. But the underlying disputes have not disappeared. Tariffs, rare earths, agricultural purchases and technology controls remain unresolved, while new disagreements over artificial intelligence and sanctions linked to Iran are adding fresh complications. The latest talks are expected to focus on keeping the current trade truce intact. That arrangement is due to expire on November 10 unless Washington and Beijing extend it. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said maintaining the truce was a focus of recent discussions with Chinese officials. Here are the main economic disputes Trump and Xi will have to navigate. Also read | Trump gets new power to hit India, China with up to 100% tariffs as US Senate clears Russia sanctions bill Tariffs: the biggest unresolved trade fight Tariffs remain the most visible sign of the US-China trade conflict. Trump's return to the White House triggered a new round of tariff action in 2025, followed by Chinese retaliation. At the height of that confrontation, Washington's tariffs on Chinese goods reached 145 per cent while Beijing's duties on American imports climbed to 125 per cent. Talks in Geneva and later negotiations in South Korea brought those rates down and created a temporary ceasefire. That truce remains fragile. Different US estimates show that Chinese goods still face substantially higher tariffs than imports from many other major trading partners. The question now is whether Trump and Xi will simply extend the existing arrangement or try to widen it into a more durable trade framework. The US has also been discussing a proposed $30 billion reduction package covering so-called non-critical goods, while Beijing could make additional purchases of American products. Also read | SPY VS SPY: As Xi meets Trump, a 12-year history of US-China espionage accusations | WION Decodes Rare earths: China's leverage over US industry Rare earths have emerged as one of Beijing's most powerful economic levers. These minerals and the magnets made from them are essential to products ranging from electronics and electric vehicles to advanced military equipment. China dominates the processing of many critical minerals, a dependency that Washington has increasingly treated as a national security concern. The US Commerce Department has described China's position in critical-mineral processing as a vulnerability for American industry. China tightened export controls on rare earths in 2025 during the trade confrontation. Those restrictions became a major bargaining point in negotiations with Washington. As part of the late-2025 agreement, Beijing suspended the implementation of broader export restrictions and agreed to facilitate exports of rare earths and other critical minerals to US users. Washington, in return, suspended or reduced some of its trade measures. But the issue is not settled. Ahead of the latest summit, US officials have been pushing for more consistent supplies, while Chinese shipments of rare earth magnets to the United States fell in August, according to Chinese customs data cited by the Financial Times. For Washington, the dispute is about reducing dependence on China. For Beijing, rare earths provide leverage in negotiations because alternative supply chains cannot be built quickly. Also read | China may have gained access to US's classified F-35 jets; parts meant for repairs diverted to Hong Kong, sparking Pentagon inquiry Agriculture: promises versus deliveries American farm exports have repeatedly featured in Trump-Xi negotiations, particularly soybeans. The two countries have used agricultural purchases as part of broader trade bargains, with China agreeing to buy US farm products in exchange for changes in American tariffs and restrictions. But Washington has continued to question whether Beijing has fully met some commitments from previous agreements. Bessent said this week that “some deliverables” under an earlier Trump-Xi agreement had not been completely fulfilled. Agriculture is therefore both a commercial issue and a political one for the Trump administration, because China is a major market for American farmers. Recent talks have included expectations of further US agricultural purchases. Reuters reported that China was on track to meet a commitment to buy 25 million metric tonnes of US agricultural products annually through 2028, while additional imports were also being discussed. The broader disagreement is over whether purchase commitments can produce a lasting rebalancing of trade or merely form part of temporary summit deals. Semiconductors and AI: trade is becoming technology policy The US-China trade dispute is no longer just about goods crossing borders. It increasingly extends to the technology needed to produce them. Washington has restricted China's access to some advanced semiconductors and chipmaking technologies, citing national security concerns. Beijing has responded with its own controls and measures affecting foreign companies and strategic technologies. The US Trade Representative's 2026 report said it had determined that China's targeting of the semiconductor industry for dominance creates economic and national security risks for the United States. Washington has announced a Section 301 tariff measure on Chinese semiconductors, initially set at zero but scheduled to rise from June 2027. Artificial intelligence has now been added to that technology dispute. Bessent said recent US-China discussions included creating a mechanism for the two countries to notify each other about AI incidents with national security implications. The upcoming summit is also expected to address AI safety and the rules surrounding increasingly powerful models. Fentanyl chemicals and trade restrictions The flow of chemicals used to manufacture illicit fentanyl has been another source of tension. Washington has accused Chinese suppliers of being a major source of precursor chemicals and has used tariffs and other trade measures to pressure Beijing. China agreed in late 2025 to tighten controls on designated chemicals and take measures to curb the flow of fentanyl precursors. The United States subsequently reduced part of its fentanyl-related tariff burden. But the issue remains active. China has introduced additional export controls on precursor chemicals ahead of Xi's visit, showing that the subject remains part of the wider economic relationship. Also read | Trump signs Greenland security deal with Denmark, paving way for two new US military bases Iran sanctions add another layer The Iran conflict is not traditionally a US-China trade dispute, but it is increasingly tied to the economic relationship. The Trump administration's sanctions campaign against Iran has put pressure on Chinese companies and financial institutions that conduct business with Tehran. Washington has so far avoided directly targeting Beijing, but US officials have held discussions with their Chinese counterparts over the issue. Bessent said the subject was raised during recent talks with Chinese officials and that Chinese financial authorities had been engaged in discussions. That creates another potential point of friction just as Washington is trying to preserve its trade truce with Beijing. What is at stake at the Trump-Xi meeting? The US and China remain deeply economically intertwined despite the trade war. US goods trade with China totalled $414.6 billion in 2025, while services trade added another $80 billion, according to US government figures. The US goods deficit with China was $202.7 billion that year. The immediate issue is whether the two leaders can keep the current truce from unravelling before its November 10 expiry. Beyond that lies a much harder question: whether the world's two largest economies can manage their competition without repeatedly returning to tariffs, export controls and retaliatory measures.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet in Washington on Thursday with a fragile US-China trade truce at stake. Tariffs remain unresolved, but rare earths, farm purchases, semiconductors, AI and Iran sanctions could make the talks far more complicated.

Trump-Xi Jinping Meeting 2026: What are the biggest trade disputes between the US and China?

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China, US strike $30 billion tariff deal, agree to launch AI dialogue

China cool to feverish American diplomacy

Trump-Xi Jinping meet 2026: 5 trade disputes that could shape US-China summit