WASHINGTON: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the United States and China to strengthen communication and avoid conflict, saying the world’s two largest economies had a shared responsibility to advance human development.
“China and the United States, as two major countries, shoulder a historic responsibility of advancing human development and progress,” Xi said at the White House. “We should strengthen communication.”
Xi also called for cooperation on artificial intelligence, saying both countries had the ability and responsibility to ensure the technology was developed for the benefit of humanity and remained under human control.
“We have both the capability and responsibility to develop and manage AI for good and ensure that the development of AI is always under human control,” Xi said after arriving at the White House for a high-stakes summit with US counterpart Donald Trump.
President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greet Xi Jinping, President of The People’s Republic of China, and Madame Peng Liyuan to the White House for their official state visit. pic.twitter.com/4Nw0NP96Zx
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 24, 2026
The remarks came as US President Donald Trump hosted Xi for a high-profile state visit aimed at managing tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology and other issues.
President Xi said the world’s two biggest economies should steer away from conflict and confrontation.
TODAY: President Donald J. Trump welcomes President Xi Jinping of China and Madame Peng Liyuan to the White House for an official state visit. 🇺🇸🇨🇳
Tune-in to White House Socials for live coverage. pic.twitter.com/NpV08MrrDa
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 24, 2026
“China and the United States must hold the line on maintaining no conflict and no confrontation between us,” he said. “Our two militaries should maintain regular dialogue and improve mechanisms for crisis communication and prevention.”
Xi says panda pair heading to US zoo ‘in a few days’
Xi Jinping said that two giant pandas will be heading to Atlanta soon, following an announcement earlier this year of a new conservation deal.
“In a few days, two pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, will come to their new home in Zoo Atlanta and meet with the American people,” Xi said.
Good news for panda fans: a pair of pandas will make their home at Zoo Atlanta in just a few days! Chinese President Xi Jinping shared the news in remarks at a White House welcoming ceremony hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/8q965BtdVy
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) September 24, 2026
Trump hails ‘great friendship’
Trump welcomed Xi with an elaborate ceremony at the White House before the two leaders held talks in the Oval Office. The programme was to conclude with a state dinner attended by senior US business and technology executives.
“President Xi and I have forged a friendship — a truly great friendship, actually — built on mutual respect and the vital interests of our people,” Trump said as the leaders delivered remarks at the White House.
Trump said artificial intelligence and what he called “Super Intelligence”, or SI, would be among the issues discussed.
“During this visit, we will also discuss pressing issues concerning security, technology, and super intelligence — SI,” Trump said. “The decisions we make in these areas today can promote peace and prosperity for decades and decades to come.”
Trump also said on social media that no new controls were needed on the rapidly developing technology, adding that “SI will be a big topic of discussion”.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted his relationship with Xi and expressed confidence that talks can produce results.
Xi said after arriving in Washington that China and the United States should be “partners rather than rivals”, according to Chinese state media.
AI takes centre stage
AI has emerged as a key issue in the summit as Washington and Beijing compete for technological leadership.
Xi said the two countries should ensure that AI development remained under human control. Trump said decisions made by the two governments on security, technology and advanced AI could affect global peace and prosperity for decades.
The leaders’ discussions also come amid concerns over the potential risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems and the consequences of competition between the United States and China in the sector.
High-profile welcome for Xi
Trump personally greeted Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, an unusually prominent welcome for a visiting foreign leader. A formal ceremony followed at the White House on Thursday, including a military flyover and talks in the Oval Office.
President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcome President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan to the United States ahead of their state visit tomorrow at the White House. 🇺🇸🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/xn6wZ268u4
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 23, 2026
Trump and first lady Melania Trump had earlier welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at the military base. A military band played the national anthems of both countries as aircraft flew overhead.
Trump later described the arrival ceremony as a successful welcome.
The two leaders are due to continue their programme on Friday, when they and their wives are scheduled to have tea at the White House before visiting the US National Archives, which houses the Declaration of Independence.
