Trump Welcomes Xi Jinping

What happened

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for a rare state visit, and President Donald Trump greeted him in person at Joint Base Andrews. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said both sides agreed to extend the temporary U.S.-China trade truce, including the Busan agreement, through Jan. 10. The visit is Xi’s first U.S. state visit in more than a decade. It comes as the countries clash over tariffs, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, rare-earth minerals, and export controls. Republican lawmakers led by Sen. Roger Wicker criticized the welcome and urged Trump to confront Xi. Trump defended direct engagement. AI safety remains on the agenda, but neither side has backed a broader development slowdown.

How each side covered it

From the left

Left-leaning outlets cast the meeting as Trump softening toward Xi while Beijing arrived with more leverage. The New York Times emphasized Trump giving Xi a pass, using that phrase to frame the welcome as too deferential. CNN stressed China’s stronger position in technology, manufacturing, and supply chains. The New York Times also saw little hope for serious AI safety cooperation.

From the right

Right-leaning outlets framed the visit as a test of strength against a communist rival, not just diplomacy. The Daily Wire highlighted the airport welcome as protocol-bending respect paired with U.S. military power. Fox News presented the summit as a tense showdown over AI, trade, rare earths, fentanyl, and Taiwan. The Epoch Times cited Sen. Roger Wicker warning against a lavish welcome without tougher pressure.

Headlines

Trump Welcomes Xi Jinping

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What happened

How each side covered it

From the left

From the right

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