Trump, Xi agree to AI communication channel; oppose tolls on international waterways

White House releases post-summit fact sheet, citing 'constructive relationship' built on respect and fairness

Both sides agree to lower tariffs on $30 billion worth of non-sensitive goods each

China to import at least 20 million tons of US coal over two years

Trump urges Xi to boost refined petroleum output; North Korea among topics discussed

US President Donald Trump (right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping [AFP]

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged views on the risks and benefits of AI at their summit and agreed to establish a direct communication channel between the two countries in the event of AI-related incidents, the White House said Friday (local time).

The White House disclosed the agreement in a fact sheet published on its website titled "President Trump Advances Fair and Reciprocal Relations with China During Historic State Visit."

The White House said the two leaders agreed to use the term "Super Intelligence" (SI) rather than "AI" when referring to advanced emerging technologies.

The next exchange on SI is scheduled to take place by November 2026, the White House said — a timeline that appears to reflect Xi's invitation to Trump and the first lady to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, in November.

The two leaders also agreed that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and that no country or entity should be permitted to impose tolls on international waterways, the White House said.

The statement appeared aimed at Iran, which has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to impose what would amount to tolls on vessels transiting the strait.

According to the fact sheet, Trump also urged Xi to increase production of refined petroleum products to help stabilize global supply.

Since the Iran war broke out on Feb. 28, 2026, a shortage of energy supplies from the Middle East has sent prices of key petroleum products such as diesel soaring worldwide. The development has become a liability for Trump ahead of the US midterm elections in November.

The White House offered no details on North Korea, saying only that "the two leaders discussed ongoing international issues, including Russia, North Korea and Iran."

It added that the two leaders recalled that the United States and China fought together as allies in World War II and won, and that Trump "advocates for pursuing trilateral arms control negotiations among the United States, Russia and China."

The White House also said Trump and Xi "discussed ways to promote peace and prosperity to increase confidence among businesses and consumers worldwide," and that the two countries agreed to build "a constructive relationship that promotes strategic stability based on respect, fairness and reciprocity."

The White House said the two sides this week formally launched the core working bodies of the US-China Trade Commission and the US-China Investment Commission, both established at the Beijing summit in May.

Through the Trade Commission, the two countries agreed on recommendations to apply lower tariffs to $30 billion worth of non-sensitive goods on each side. US exports covered under the agreement include agricultural products, fish and seafood, logs and wood products, and medical devices, while Chinese exports include small home appliances, toys and consumer goods such as children's car seats.

The Trade Commission also launched a working group to address market access barriers in the agricultural sector.

In addition, China plans to import at least 10 million tons of US coal in each of 2027 and 2028.

On rare earths and other critical minerals — one of the summit's key agenda items — the White House said consultations are continuing "to address US concerns about supply chain shortages," with the goal of restoring adequate supply levels.

Analysts had noted ahead of the summit that Xi held the powerful card of rare earths while Trump had few comparable cards to play in return. China controls roughly 90 percent of the global rare earth supply.

The White House said in the fact sheet that it welcomed China's designation of opioids as controlled substances, and that the United States "strongly urged" Beijing to permanently schedule two new Chinese export-controlled fentanyl precursor chemicals — along with other substances — as controlled substances "to stop illicit precursor materials from flowing into North America."

It added that China last month arrested 21 of its own nationals on charges of manufacturing and distributing precursor chemicals supplied to illicit drug producers in North America, acting on information provided by the United States, and that Washington "strongly urged" that those convicted face "the maximum sentence, including the death penalty where the law permits."

mokiya@heraldcorp.com