Xi arrived at the White House with panda diplomacy

Martin Yngve/TT

 

Published 16:15 | Updated 17:14

               

        US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping enter the White House, followed by              their wives, Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan. Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP/TT

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived at the White House, where he was received by Donald Trump, who emphasized the leaders' friendship in his welcoming remarks.

"President Xi and I have accomplished amazing things for our countries while working together," he said.

Xi responded with a gift: two pandas intended to symbolize the friendship between the nations.

When the Chinese president landed in Washington around midnight leading into Thursday, he was personally greeted by Trump—an unusually welcoming gesture from a US president. According to the BBC, this was the first time such a greeting had occurred since 1962.

The cordiality and friendship the two leaders wished to display continued to characterize their opening remarks to one another.

Trump welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, highlighting his "strong friendship" with his guest and their mutual respect.

AI in human hands

During the meeting, they are set to discuss topics including AI and security issues, he said, drawing parallels in his speech to the history of cooperation between the two countries—not least during World War II.

"The decisions we make on these issues today can create peace and prosperity for decades to come. President Xi and I will continue to work together to build a better future for both our countries," he said.

Xi responded with equal warmth, also praising the leaders' productive cooperation. “China and the US may not solve every problem in the world, but without our cooperation, many of the world’s problems would be difficult to resolve.”

One of these issues is AI, Xi said, emphasizing the superpowers’ responsibility to ensure that humans control AI, rather than the other way around.

“We have both the capacity and the responsibility to develop and manage AI, and to ensure that its development remains under human control and serves the best interests of humanity.”

Envoys of friendship

Following the brief press briefing, Trump and Xi are set to exchange gifts and view a military demonstration before sitting down for two rounds of talks—one involving only the presidents, and another attended by other ministers and advisors. A banquet follows, featuring a menu that includes sea bass. The state visit continues on Friday.

During his speech, Xi revealed China’s gift to the US: two pandas that will soon arrive at a zoo in Atlanta. He described the pandas—named Ping Ping and Fu Shuang—as “envoys of friendship.”

According to earlier announcements, the pandas are scheduled to remain in Atlanta for ten years.