A visit rich in symbolism but poor in results likely to resolve tensions between the world’s two leading economic powers. Chinese President Xi Jinping completed his three-day state trip to Washington on Friday, September 25.
In their desire to display an image of stability in Sino-American relations, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping exchanged pleasantries over tea at the White House before visiting, accompanied by their wives, the National Archives where they browsed the American Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
They both subsequently announced that they would meet again at the Apec (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum) summit in November in China and then at the G20 summit in Florida the following month.
Donald Trump did not give further details, speaking only of a “very positive meeting” in general with Xi Jinping.
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in Washington, September 25, 2026 © Saul Loeb, AFP
“I think we have made enormous progress, very positive for both countries,” Donald Trump also declared from the White House, where he received his guests for tea earlier in the day.
Two meetings to come
The Chinese president mentioned the possibility of two other “opportunities” to see Donald Trump by the end of 2026, at the APEC summit in China in mid-November and at the G20 summit in Florida in December.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan before boarding an Air China plane departing from Andrews Base, Maryland, September 25, 2026. © Kent Nishimura, AFP
The American president then confirmed. This will bring their meetings to five since the Republican’s return to power in January 2025.
The day before, Xi Jinping had declared that Washington and Tehran must resolve their differences “as quickly as possible” through negotiation, according to comments reported by the state agency Xinhua.
A trade truce and pandas
The Chinese president was received with great respect by Donald Trump, who spoke of a relationship of “great friendship” with his counterpart.
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during a gala dinner in the East Room of the White House, in Washington, September 24, 2026. © Brendan Smialowski, AFP
This three-day state visit reached its social climax on Thursday with a gala dinner to which, on the American side, the bosses of the largest companies were invited, with a particular emphasis on tech.
On the Chinese side, only a restricted delegation of diplomats was present.
See alsoXi Jinping – Donald Trump: agreement between rivals?
Overall, the most concrete results of this state visit were meager: the extension until January 10 only of a trade truce between the two countries, and the announcement of the imminent arrival of two pandas, emblematic of Chinese diplomacy, in the United States.
Give an image of understanding
Xi Jinping called on Washington to be “cautious” on Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, while the United States supports the island militarily.
He also pleaded for “peaceful coexistence” between the two leading world powers, engaged in a fierce military, technological, diplomatic and strategic rivalry, and judged that his visit to Washington had added “more substance” to the bilateral relationship.
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump before a gala dinner at the White House, September 24, 2026 in Washington. © Brendan Smialoswski / AFP
The two leaders, and Donald Trump in particular, wanted to project a harmonious image during their meeting.
The 80-year-old billionaire came in person, which is quite exceptional, to welcome his guest as he got off the plane on Wednesday. On a video released by the White House, we also see him showing the Chinese leader a portrait of the two of them hanging not far from the Oval Office.
This earned the American president renewed accusations from his opponents about his proximity to authoritarian leaders, he who also exhibited at the White House a photo taken during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
With AFP and Reuters
