Xi arrives for state visit

President Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday evening for a lavish state dinner. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were guests of honor in the East Room.

Trump praises Xi and reciprocates honor

In his remarks before dinner, Trump praised Xi and Peng as truly outstanding, amazing people. He said he wanted to return the same honor to Xi that he was shown during his visit to Beijing in May.

“truly outstanding, amazing people”

Tech leaders attend the dinner

Guests included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Tesla and SpaceX leader Elon Musk, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Google's Sundar Pichai, and Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell. Also attending were Nvidia's Jensen Huang, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, and Tim Cook.

Trump avoids discussing key issues

Trump's remarks did not touch on what he and Xi discussed during their earlier meetings Thursday. The president did not mention the war in Iran or artificial intelligence in his dinner remarks.

Xi claims common ground with Trump

Xi touted sincere exchanges with Trump, claiming the leaders reached common understanding on many issues. He called for cooperation between the two countries at a time when AI and global conflicts have tested their alliance.

“sincere exchanges”

Xi on responsible major countries

Xi said China and the United States must act as responsible major countries while they meet the expectations of their peoples and explore a new approach for major countries to get along with each other.

“must act as responsible major countries”

Trump jokes about White House ballroom

During his remarks, Trump joked that he had to go off script to make a brief aside about the construction of the White House ballroom. He promised guests will be the first people to step foot on the site in honor of the visit.

Red carpet ceremony precedes dinner

Ahead of the state dinner Thursday, Xi was welcomed at the White House with a red carpet at the North Portico lined with U.S. service members. Earlier that day, Trump greeted Xi in a ceremony that included a military review in the Rose Garden and a flyover.

Protesters voice concerns outside gates

As guests walked into the dinner, protesters at Lafayette Park outside the White House chanted Free Hong Kong, Free Tibet, Free all political prisoners, Free Burma, Xi Jinping you're not welcome and Free Jimmy Lai, among other chants.

“Free Hong Kong, Free Tibet, Free all political prisoners, Free Burma, Xi Jinping you're not welcome, Free Jimmy Lai”

Bilateral meeting lasts ninety minutes

The state dinner came after the two leaders met for about ninety minutes behind closed doors earlier Thursday. They were expected to discuss artificial intelligence safety, Taiwan, trade, the Iran war and critical minerals.

Trump highlights historic friendship

Trump touted the truly great friendship between the two leaders, saying from the Grand Foyer that from his first election in two thousand sixteen, he and Xi have forged a friendship built on mutual respect and the vital interests of their people.

“truly great friendship”

Xi's first formal state visit in decade

Trump commented on the historic nature of Thursday's state visit, as Xi has not visited the White House in more than a decade. Xi last visited the White House in a two thousand fifteen state visit during the Obama administration.

Xi on healthy competition and fair treatment

Xi stressed the importance of healthy competition kept within bounds, saying it should be a race of catching up with one another, not a wrestle in which one either wins or loses. He emphasized ensuring Chinese companies are treated fairly in the U.S.

“a race of catching up with one another, not a wrestle in which one either wins or loses”

Xi on artificial intelligence control

Xi directly addressed artificial intelligence, saying both countries have the ability and duty to make sure AI remains under human control. He said both nations have the capability and responsibility to develop and manage AI for good and serve the well-being of people.

“ensure that the development of AI is always under human control”

Two pandas coming to Zoo Atlanta

At the conclusion of his remarks, Xi announced that two giant pandas, Ping-Ping and Fu Shuang, will come to their new home in Zoo Atlanta in a few days to meet with the American people. The announcement prompted a smile from Trump.

“two pandas, Ping-Ping and Fu Shuang, will come to their new home in Zoo Atlanta”

Xi departs after Friday tea and archives tour

On Friday, Xi and his wife are scheduled to join Trump and the first lady for a private tea and a tour of the National Archives to view historical national documents. Xi is expected to depart the U.S. later Friday.