Washington, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss artificial intelligence, trade and rare earth supplies during Xi’s state visit to Washington next week, with US officials saying Washington does not plan to exchange export controls for mineral supplies China has previously agreed to provide.
The talks will follow Trump’s address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where his administration’s diplomatic efforts on Iran and Gaza are expected to feature prominently, according to US officials who briefed reporters on Friday.
A senior US official said AI and the existing US-China trade arrangement, described by the administration as the “Busan truce”, would be among the key subjects for the leaders. Officials did not announce any expected agreements or predict the outcome of the discussions.
On rare earths, the official said Washington expected Beijing to honour commitments reached in earlier negotiations to supply minerals to the United States and global markets. However, the official said China’s performance had fallen short of US expectations.
The administration has also considered reducing some tariffs on a limited range of goods viewed as neither sensitive nor strategic. Officials did not identify the products or potential tariff reductions.
Asked about possible Chinese access to the US automobile market, the official said Trump would not compromise national security, adding that investments would remain subject to applicable US rules and regulations.
AI is also expected to feature in senior-level meetings between US and Chinese representatives in New York over the weekend. An official declined to disclose Washington’s negotiating position or say whether those discussions would result in an agreement.
Fentanyl precursor chemicals are another issue expected to remain a point of pressure. A senior US official accused China of continuing to be the main supplier of such chemicals to Mexican cartels and said recent arrests had not delivered the broader systemic action sought by Washington.
US sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong entities accused of supporting Iran will also remain in place. An official said Trump had repeatedly raised cases involving people he believes were wrongfully detained in China during previous meetings with Xi, but did not confirm whether specific cases would be discussed next week.
Trump is scheduled to welcome Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday. Thursday’s programme includes a White House arrival ceremony, a military review, bilateral talks and a state dinner. On Friday, Trump and Xi, along with their wives, are scheduled for private tea and a tour of the National Archives before Xi’s departure.
Before returning to Washington, Trump is scheduled to meet the British and Japanese prime ministers and leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council in New York on Tuesday. He will also host a reception for world leaders and meet Venezuela’s acting president.
Trump’s UN General Assembly address is expected to cover US efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and developments related to his 20-point Gaza peace plan. A senior US official declined to confirm whether Trump or other American officials would meet Iranian representatives during the UN gathering.
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