Trump, Xi Jinping Set to Visit US National Archives
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to visit the US National Archives on Friday, a day after their White House summit where they discussed trade, artificial intelligence and broader bilateral relations.
President Trump said the two leaders would view historic documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as well as artefacts reflecting the longstanding relationship between the United States and China.
The visit is expected to highlight the historical ties between Washington and Beijing. Analysts said Xi could be interested in records relating to the United States’ decision to recognise the People’s Republic of China rather than Taiwan in 1979.
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President Trump also highlighted progress under a bilateral trade mechanism, including increased market access for US farmers and ranchers. The two leaders identified artificial intelligence as an area for cooperation.
Taiwan remained a key issue during the summit, with Xi urging President Trump to handle the matter with caution and reiterating Beijing’s opposition to Taiwan’s independence.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while the United States maintains unofficial relations with Taipei and is required under US law to provide it with the means to defend itself.
President Trump’s administration approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December, while a further package worth about $14 billion has been held in abeyance.
US Senate Democrats criticised the summit, saying President Trump had failed to secure meaningful concessions from Beijing on trade, security, artificial intelligence and human rights. They also called for the immediate delivery of approved military aid and arms sales to Taiwan.
