President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington for a three-day visit as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he and Vice Premier He Lifeng agreed to extend the trade truce through January 10, two months after its November 10 expiry.
Expectations for a broader breakthrough were low. People familiar with the plans said Xi was likely to press Beijing’s claim to Taiwan, while Trump was likely to maintain US export controls. Thursday’s talks could still produce sector-specific tariff cuts, cooperation on drug trafficking or expanded military dialogue.
China’s embassy in Washington had no immediate comment on Bessent’s account. Trump was expected to seek the release of some Americans and others detained in China, according to people familiar with the plans. The welcome at Joint Base Andrews featured a 100-foot red carpet, a military band and ceremonial cannon fire; C-SPAN said it was the first time in 11 years a US president had welcomed a foreign leader there. The countries were expected to issue separate announcements, not hold a joint press conference.
