Trump prepares to host China’s Xi Jinping following U.N. address
President Donald Trump is preparing to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington for a high-profile state visit Thursday following a U.N. address focused on artificial intelligence, Iran and other international issues.
(NBC)- President Donald Trump is preparing to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington for a high-profile state visit Thursday following a U.N. address focused on artificial intelligence, Iran and other international issues.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump are scheduled to welcome Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to the White House Thursday. Trump is expected to greet them at Joint Base Andrews Wednesday evening. The White House says it will be Xi’s first visit to the White House in more than a decade.
During his address to the U.N. General Assembly Tuesday, Trump highlighted the technological competition between the United States and China and said his administration does not intend to restrict the growth of artificial intelligence.
“We’re leading now over China by a lot, and everyone else,” Trump said. “We’re going to encourage it, not rein it in.”
Trump also said his administration would begin referring to artificial intelligence as “superintelligence,” arguing the term better describes the technology. He said the U.S. would continue to monitor its development while encouraging innovation.
The president also addressed the ongoing war with Iran, saying he faces what he described as a “big decision” over whether a deal can be reached with Tehran or the conflict escalates further.
Trump also met with several world leaders during the U.N. gathering, while members of Cuba’s delegation walked out during portions of his address concerning the country’s government.
As Trump turns his attention to Xi’s visit, Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the decision to host the Chinese leader, citing concerns about China’s government and military posture.
Trump has said he expects agreements to emerge from the visit as the two leaders meet in Washington.
