US-China Relations

Chinese presidential couple arrives at the White House

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arrived at the White House on Thursday afternoon (Swedish time), according to multiple media reports.

The day’s agenda includes an exchange of gifts, a military display, bilateral talks, and a banquet.

"During the visit, we will discuss important issues regarding security, technology, and superintelligence," says Trump.

"Superintelligence" is a term for AI that he coined himself just the other day.

Xi says he has come to the US to promote "friendship, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence." China and the US share a "historic responsibility" to foster the advancement of humanity, he adds.

This state visit to the US is Xi’s first since 2017. Upon landing last night, he was personally greeted by Trump—a gesture no US president has made since 1962.

Analysis: Maximum pomp and pageantry during Xi’s visit

Donald Trump is pulling out all the stops like never before during Xi Jinping’s state visit, writes Daniel Bush for the BBC.

Among other things, uniformed soldiers have been lined up with American and Chinese flags on the roof of the White House—an extremely rare sight.

"The summit is unlikely to result in any major new agreements. However, the pomp and pageantry surrounding Xi’s visit—including yesterday’s welcome ceremony—far surpasses any other state visit during Trump’s second term."

This massive summit once again highlights Europe’s backseat role. Despite sharply increased defense spending, the EU remains in the wake of the US and China when it comes to technology and defense, writes Lionel Laurent for Bloomberg. He borrows words from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney: "If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu."

"Being the main course at Xi and Trump’s geopolitical banquet poses a real danger to the EU and its chief, Ursula von der Leyen. It is no wonder she worries about 'dangerous dependencies'—such as American gas or a trade deficit with China amounting to one billion euros a day." 

Pancetta and eggplant on the menu for Trump and Xi

A press release from Melania Trump’s office lists the menu for this evening’s White House banquet, held during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan.

Dishes include pancetta, eggplant, and ice cream made with honey from the White House beehives.

The Menu

First course:
Yellow zucchini velouté
Mushroom fricassee
Crispy pancetta
Scallion oil 

Second course:
Sea bass crusted with toasted sesame seeds
Braised bok choy
Oven-roasted eggplant
Sauce verte

Dessert:
Vanilla crémeux and honey ice cream
Walnut frangipane
Sour cherry confit