Trump to Accompany Xi Jinping to US National Archives After Summit
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is scheduled to accompany Chinese President Xi Jinping to the US National Archives on Friday, following their high-profile White House summit focused on relations between the world’s two largest economies.
The visit to the National Archives is expected to highlight the long history of US-China relations. The leaders are due to view important American historical documents, including records connected to the relationship between the two countries. The White House had previously announced that the visit would conclude Xi’s state visit to Washington.
The National Archives visit comes after a state summit at the White House on Thursday. The meeting included discussions on trade and artificial intelligence, although no major new breakthrough was announced in the areas of disagreement between Washington and Beijing.
Trade and AI Discussed
Trump highlighted what he described as progress under the existing bilateral trade arrangements, including increased market access for US farmers and ranchers.
Both leaders also identified artificial intelligence as an area where the two countries could cooperate.
The summit came as Washington and Beijing continue discussions on trade, technology and other areas of their relationship.
Taiwan Remains a Key Issue
Taiwan remained one of the major areas of difference between the United States and China.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly called on Washington to oppose Taiwan’s independence and limit arms sales to the island.
During the summit, Xi urged the United States to handle the Taiwan issue with caution. Chinese state media also reported that Xi called on Washington to maintain its position against Taiwan independence.
The United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but maintains extensive unofficial ties and provides the island with military equipment under US law.
US Arms Sales to Taiwan
Washington’s military support for Taiwan remains a sensitive issue in US-China relations.
The Trump administration previously approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, while another package worth around $14 billion has remained on hold, according to Reuters.
China has opposed US arms sales to Taiwan and has repeatedly raised the issue during discussions with American officials.
The issue is being closely followed by US allies in Asia as Washington and Beijing continue their broader engagement.
National Archives Visit
Trump said the leaders would see important documents from US history during their visit to the National Archives, including the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The White House said the visit would also include records and documents highlighting the historical relationship and cultural exchanges between the United States and China.
Xi’s visit to Washington is his first to the US capital in more than a decade and forms part of continued high-level engagement between the two countries.
The two governments are expected to continue discussions on trade, technology, Taiwan and other issues after the summit.
