Trump to take Xi to US archives after Summit

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is set to wrap up Chinese President Xi Jinping’s high-profile visit to Washington on Friday with a tour of the US National Archives, shifting the focus from White House ceremony to the long and complicated history of US-China relations.

The visit follows a lavish state summit on Thursday that featured considerable symbolism but produced no immediate sign of a major breakthrough between the world’s two largest economies. Trump nevertheless pointed to progress through an existing bilateral trade mechanism, including what he described as improved market access for American farmers and ranchers. Both leaders also identified artificial intelligence as an area where Washington and Beijing could cooperate.

Trump said Xi would see some of the United States’ most important historical documents at the National Archives, including the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. He also highlighted historical and cultural links between the two countries, framing the visit as a reminder of their long-standing relationship.

But behind the carefully staged diplomacy, several major disagreements remain unresolved.

Taiwan Takes Centre Stage

Taiwan emerged as one of the most sensitive issues during Xi’s talks with Trump. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and has repeatedly urged Washington to oppose Taiwanese independence and stop arms sales to the island.

During Thursday’s meeting, Xi called on Trump to handle the Taiwan issue with “prudence,” while Chinese state media reported that he urged Washington to maintain what Beijing considers the correct position on Taiwan independence.

The United States has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but remains its most important international supporter. US law also requires Washington to provide Taiwan with the means to maintain its self-defence.

The issue is being closely watched because the Trump administration has previously approved a major arms package for Taiwan, while another proposed package has been held back. Chinese officials have continued to oppose US weapons sales to the island.

Symbolism Amid Unresolved Differences

The summit also comes as Washington and Beijing navigate disagreements over trade, technology, security and the war in Iran. Trump has highlighted cooperation on AI, while Xi has stressed the need to prevent confrontation between the two powers.

US Senate Democrats have criticised the summit, arguing that Washington failed to secure significant concessions from Beijing on several issues, including trade, security, AI and human rights.

As Xi’s visit concludes with a tour of the National Archives, the carefully chosen setting is expected to provide a symbolic backdrop for a relationship that combines cooperation, competition and longstanding strategic disagreements.