Trump says he and Xi have built 'truly great friendship,' vows to discuss security, AI at summit

by Lee Won-yul

Published : Sept. 24, 2026 - 23:53:11

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping [Getty Images]

US President Donald Trump said Thursday (local time) that he would discuss "urgent issues related to security, technology and superintelligence" — his preferred term for AI — with Chinese President Xi Jinping at their summit.

Trump made the remarks in a state arrival ceremony speech at the White House, according to Yonhap.

"President Xi and I have made strong progress working together on the challenges facing our two countries," Trump said, citing the US-China trade commission established during his visit to Beijing in May.

He also said he had built "a truly great friendship" with Xi since first being elected US president in 2016, adding that the two leaders had spent time together "all over the world — Germany, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, Beijing and Palm Beach, Florida."

Xi's first state visit to US in 11 years

Earlier, Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, as their motorcade arrived at the South Portico of the White House.

The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks followed by an expanded meeting later Thursday. A state dinner in honor of Xi and his wife is planned for the evening at the White House.

The visit marks Xi's first state visit to the United States in 11 years. It comes roughly four months after Trump's trip to China in May, with Xi's visit serving as a reciprocal one.

Xi was accompanied by Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, and Wang Yi, director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission and foreign minister.

It was the first time Trump had traveled to Andrews Air Force Base to personally welcome a foreign leader since beginning his second term.

The gesture signaled the highest level of diplomatic courtesy extended to Xi.

Xi is scheduled to depart the United States on Friday after a two-night, three-day state visit.

yul@heraldcorp.com