Trump-Xi meeting: Key takeaways on trade, Taiwan, AI and US-China ties

US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping projected cooperation during a highly ceremonial White House visit on Thursday (September 25), but their discussions left major disagreements unresolved. Trade tensions remain, Taiwan continues to test the relationship, and the two leaders hold different views on AI policy. Xi also warned about the risk of conflict between the two powers, while Trump used the occasion to emphasise cooperation and the two countries' shared wartime history.

Here are the key takeaways from the meeting between the two leaders:

Trump and Xi strike cooperative tone

Trump and Xi presented a cooperative public tone. Trump praised his relationship with Xi and said, "President Xi and I both understand we represent different systems, but the ties between our people endure, and we've never gotten along better," adding that "together, we can continue to build a relationship that promotes prosperity and security for future generations."

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Xi echoed the emphasis on shared goals, stating that "President Trump has pledged to make America great again" and that "China is committed to achieving great national rejuvenation." "These two goals are both ambitious and can surely be mutually reinforcing,” added Xi, reported NDTV.

Trade truce extended for two months

Washington and Beijing extended their trade truce by two months. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the extra time would give both sides "more time to see what we can do on the economic front." The extension leaves tariffs, Chinese purchases, rare-earth supplies, and technology restrictions to be negotiated further.

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Bessent said China was meeting its earlier commitment to purchase 25 million tons of soybeans but remained behind on its pledge to buy USD 17 billion in other agricultural goods. US officials also said rare-earth deliveries fell short of the agreed level.

Taiwan remains a major divide

Xi urged Washington to "handle the Taiwan question with prudence," according to China's official news agency. The agency also reported that Xi hoped the US would oppose Taiwan’s independence.

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There was no indication that the Trump administration planned to change Washington's long-standing position that it does not "support" independence. The White House had not released a readout of the exchange.

Trump, Xi differ on AI policy

Trump said he wanted to "leave it exactly where it is" on AI regulation and rely on the US Department of Justice rather than impose new guardrails. Xi took a different position, saying, "We have both the capability and responsibility to develop and manage AI for good, and ensure that the development of AI is always under human control and serves the well-being of the people."

Xi warns against conflict

Xi again warned against the "Thucydides trap" and said, "It should be a race of catching up with one another, not a wrestle in which one either wins or loses." He called for regular military dialogue and stronger crisis-prevention measures.