Friendship On Display, Rivalry Unresolved: Trump-Xi Summit Ends In Washington

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have concluded their high-profile Washington summit, with both sides calling for greater stability and cooperation while leaving several of the biggest disputes in the relationship unresolved.

Xi wrapped up his three-day US visit on Friday with Trump taking him to the National Archives, where they viewed the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Trump said he wanted to show Xi “some of the greatest treasures” of American history as the US marks its 250th anniversary.

The visit came a day after the two leaders held extensive talks at the White House and attended a state dinner featuring senior government officials and leading technology executives. Trump later described his meeting with Xi as “great”, while Xi said the two countries had reached common understanding on several issues and should translate their vision of “constructive China-US relations of strategic stability” into action.

The most tangible outcome was the decision to extend the existing trade truce until January 10, 2027, giving Washington and Beijing more time to negotiate a broader economic arrangement. However, reports said the summit produced no major breakthrough on the core disputes over trade, technology or AI.

AI emerged as an area where the two sides sought dialogue. Xi said China and the US should use their respective strengths rather than guard against each other, continue discussions on AI risks and benefits and work together to prevent misuse. He stressed that AI should remain under human control.

Taiwan remained a major point of contention, with Xi urging Washington to handle the issue prudently and reiterating Beijing's position on Taiwan. The leaders also discussed the Middle East, Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula, according to China's official account of the talks.

The summit also featured a lavish state dinner, where Trump presented Xi with a bald eagle statue. Outside the White House, protesters demonstrated over China's policies on Tibet, Hong Kong and Xinjiang.