Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet in Washington to discuss artificial intelligence

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, for the start of a two-day state visit. The arrival ceremony featured a brief disruption when a military jet performed a low-altitude flight during the national anthem, which visibly startled President Trump. The leaders, accompanied by their spouses, walked the red carpet before beginning formal talks.

A primary focus of the bilateral summit is the regulation and development of artificial intelligence, which President Trump refers to as "super intelligence." Ahead of the meeting, Trump stated that he prefers to maintain the status quo regarding AI regulations, asserting that the U.S. Department of Justice serves as the primary safeguard for overseeing and prosecuting companies in the sector. This stance reflects an attempt to address concerns from industry leaders regarding potential AI-related harms and abuses without imposing restrictive new federal mandates.

The meeting takes place amid ongoing tensions between the two superpowers. While analysts and sources express low expectations for significant breakthrough agreements, the summit is viewed as a critical moment for determining the future direction of global policy. Both nations currently maintain that their internal mechanisms are sufficient for overseeing technological risks.