VIDEO: Xi begins US state visit with trade, technology & Taiwan high on agenda
Chinese President Xi Jinping is beginning a three-day state visit to the United States, with trade, technology and Taiwan expected to feature prominently in talks with US President Donald Trump.
Trump left the White House aboard Marine One on Wednesday afternoon to personally welcome Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
The unusually high-level reception underscores the significance Washington is attaching to the visit as the world's two largest economies seek to manage their differences while maintaining dialogue.
The visit comes at an important point in US-China economic relations, with a trade arrangement between Washington and Beijing due to expire in November.
Trade and tariffs, supplies of critical rare earth minerals, agricultural exports and artificial intelligence are among the issues expected to feature in discussions.
Taiwan is also expected to remain a major point of disagreement. Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and has consistently opposed US arms sales and official contacts with the island, while Washington maintains unofficial relations with Taipei and provides defensive support under US law.
Xi's visit will move to the White House on Thursday, where Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host the Chinese president and Peng for an official arrival ceremony.
Trump and Xi are then expected to hold bilateral talks before attending a state dinner with senior US and Chinese officials and other invited guests.
The two leaders are seeking to build on discussions held during their previous meetings as both governments navigate competition across trade, technology and security alongside areas where cooperation remains possible.
The visit is scheduled to conclude Friday following additional engagements in Washington, including a visit to the National Archives.
Xi's trip places the US-China relationship firmly back in the international spotlight, with the outcome of the talks likely to be closely watched across the Caribbean and other developing regions where both Washington and Beijing maintain significant economic and diplomatic interests.
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