China’s president arrived in Washington, D.C. promising gifts and touting cooperation. He also aims to show Donald Trump who’s boss.
*You get a giant panda! You get a trip to China!*Chinese President Xi Jinping channeledhis inner Oprah Winfreyduring a speech at the White House today, while urging the U.S. and China to “coexist in peace.” President Donald Trump, meanwhile, slouched in a chair behind his counterpart while doing his least favorite thing: politely listening.
Trump wants this meeting to go well so badly, he did something no American president has done in 64 years: Meet a visiting world leader at the airport. The last time a U.S. commander-in-chief
showed that kind of deferenceto a foreign leader was when John. F. Kennedy met the U.K. prime minister’s plane in 1962.
But things aren’t so hot between the world’s top superpowers right now. Xi’s three-day trip to Washington is expected to be tense, featuring backroom debates about the potential AI apocalypse, trade, Iran, and the future of Taiwan. China seems bent on framing itself as the good guy — to both the world, and the American people.
“We should cooperate with sincerity,” Xi said. “The interests of China and the United States are deeply intertwined, and there is plenty of room for us to work together.”
The country will send two of its prized pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, to the Atlanta zoo in the coming days, as a show of “friendship,” Xi announced. He also invited 100,000 young Americans to study in China over the next few years. (Trump
invited 600,000 Chinese studentsto the U.S. last year, angering many conservatives.)
There are signs that Xi’s charm offensive will work. Americans’ view of China has warmed in recent years, according to a new
Pew Research Center survey, while the number of people with a “very cold” view of China have dropped. This coincides with the U.S. reputationtaking a major hitaround the world, even falling below Russia.
Xi may be touting those adorable bears. But his speech also hinted at major disputes with the Trump administration.
China and the U.S. are locked in a race to build the most powerful artificial intelligence possible. While American tech companies warn that robots could wipe humans off the face of the planet, Trump
said thathe wants to leave AI “exactly where it is.” Hours later, Xi called for the responsible development of artificial intelligence.
“We have both the capability and responsibility to develop and manage AI for good, and ensure that the development of AI is always under human control and serves the well-being of the people,” Xi said.
Another tense issue on the agenda: Taiwan. China has long claimed Taiwan as its own, after the nation broke away in 1949. Pentagon officials
have fearedthat China might invade Taiwan as soon as next year, which could draw the U.S. into a costly conflict 7,600 miles away.
Xi is expected to urge Trump to halt arms sales to Taiwan during this trip,
according to Reuters. The Trump administration approved an $11 billion arms package to Taiwan in December — the largest ever — and plans to send another $14 billion package.
The threats have already begun. A Chinese defense official
warned the U.S.today that it should use “extreme caution” when it comes to the arms sales issue. Xi also made an ominous remark: “China and the United States must hold the line of no conflict and no confrontation between us.”
Trump’s strategy to handle these issues? Play nice. He boasted about his “truly great friendship” with Xi today — and even called his counterpart good lookin’.
“I met President Xi at the plane (Airport!) yesterday and he looks strong, vibrant, and fit - Better than ever,” Trump wrote on social media. “Madam Xi, of course, BEAUTIFUL!”
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** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked** New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in a speech at the U.N. General Assembly today. "Mr. Mamdani, since you were elected mayor of this city, many Jews no longer feel safe in New York,” Netanyahu said. He added: “Israel didn’t commit genocide [in Gaza]. Israel prevented genocide.” No wonder so many diplomats
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** Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s bodyguard,** whom she allegedly dated, trashed her Arizona home and tossed paintings into her pool while she wasn’t there, causing more than $200,000 in damage, according to court filings.
** A judge threw out Donald Trump’s lawsuit seeking retribution against** the
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** The National Museum of African American History** and Culture in Washington, D.C. marked its 10th anniversary today, which is especially impressive when you consider that its opening coincided with the start of Trump’s political career. “We are planning our next 10, frankly 20 years of exhibitions right now,” the museum’s acting director said.
** Eating nutrient-dense foods like fruits,** vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts can help people sleep better, according to a new study. I feel like every study ever says: Eat healthy foods and your health will improve! Duh.
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