Trump and Xi Jinping Hold Talks on Trade, AI, and Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are holding talks at the White House on Thursday, September 24, 2026, discussing artificial intelligence, trade, and Iran.

The two leaders previously met this year, and their discussions aim to stabilize the bilateral relationship amid domestic and global issues. China's Commerce Ministry confirmed its first talks with the U.S. on artificial intelligence, and both sides agreed to extend a one-year trade truce by two months to January 10. This truce, reached in October 2025, keeps tariffs lower and limits China's export controls on rare earths.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the extension suggests the U.S. is unsatisfied with China's offers and wants to maintain pressure. The leaders are also expected to discuss AI guardrails, though Trump has expressed opposition to further regulation. China has resisted U.S. pressure to use its leverage to prod Iran to agree to U.S. terms to end the war.

Xi also seeks a permanent halt to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and looser export restrictions on advanced chips. The meeting highlights questions about the UN's influence, as Trump has previously criticized the organization and withdrawn the U.S. from several agencies.