Trump-Xi Summit Seeks Stability

Trump and Xi aim to steady U.S.-China ties despite disputes over trade, AI and Iran.

Mostly Center

2 left6 center1 right

Updated Sep 22, 6:30am ET

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What happened

President Trump is hosting Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Washington this week for their second face-to-face meeting of the year. Xi’s visit begins Wednesday, with talks expected Thursday as both governments seek steadier ties. The meeting is aimed less at a grand bargain than at keeping disputes from tipping into crisis. Artificial intelligence is now part of that effort, as both sides weigh competition, safety, and a possible hotline for dangerous AI incidents. The two governments are still working through May trade commitments covering tariffs, beef, Boeing aircraft, farm goods, and a possible Board of Trade. A Thursday dinner guest list includes major U.S. tech and finance leaders, while China’s attendees remain unconfirmed. Talks could bring modest progress.

How each side covered it

From the left

Left-leaning outlets framed the summit as an effort to preserve a fragile truce, not end the broader rivalry. The New York Times emphasized Xi’s patience, arguing Trump faces nearer-term political and war pressures. The Seattle Times cast the likely outcome as incremental, with symbolism outweighing any major breakthrough.

From the right

Only one right-leaning outlet we track covered this: The Daily Wire, under the headline “Trump Set To Roll Out Red Carpet For Xi Weeks After Accusing Him Of Election Interference”.

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