US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping began closed-door bilateral talks at the White House on Thursday, with security and technology among the issues on the agenda.
The meeting followed a military welcome ceremony that included a flyover by a B-2 stealth bomber and fighter jets believed to be F-22s, while a military band played and US and Chinese flags were displayed in alternating order.
Speaking at a joint news conference before the talks, Trump said the two countries “have been working to encourage a more balanced trading relationship, including the new market access for American farmers and ranchers.”
He added that the talks would also address “pressing issues concerning security, technology, and superintelligence.”
Xi, for his part, called for stronger communication between Beijing and Washington, saying the two sides could “seek common ground, and build mutual trust through candid, in-depth, and continued dialogue.”
He also urged expanded government-to-government contacts in areas including foreign affairs, the economy and law enforcement.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump are due to host Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for a state dinner later Thursday.
Xi arrived Wednesday for a three-day state visit to the US, his first in more than a decade.