U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are preparing to meet in Washington on September 24, with trade expected to dominate discussions between the two countries.
Reuters reports that China enters the summit with exports remaining strong despite tariffs and other U.S. trade restrictions. Its global trade surplus is on pace to exceed $1 trillion for a second consecutive year, even as the country deals with weaker domestic demand and a prolonged property downturn.
The meeting is expected to focus largely on whether the two governments extend a trade truce reached in 2025. Reuters says preparatory talks have also included possible cooperation on artificial intelligence safety and tariff reductions for some non-sensitive products.
Taiwan could also emerge as a major subject. Beijing continues to object to U.S. arms sales and support for the island, while officials in Taiwan and Japan are closely watching the discussions.
Other possible issues include Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products and aircraft, fentanyl precursor chemicals, and Iran.
