US and China Reach New Trade Agreement Following White House Summit
- President Donald Trump reached a new trade agreement during a summit at the White House on September 24, 2024, according to statements released by state media and officials.
- During the summit inside the Oval Office, Xi stated that both economic and trade teams reached a fresh joint agreement, as reported by China's state-run Xinhua News Agency.
- counterparts that the new agreement is good news for the two countries' industrial sectors and people, and also for the world economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump reached a new trade agreement during a summit at the White House on September 24, 2024, according to statements released by state media and officials. Xi spent three hours and 22 minutes at the White House for the welcoming ceremony, closed-door talks, and a garden walk, describing the new bilateral consensus as good news for industries, citizens, and the global economy alike.
Trade Agreement and Economic Relations
During the summit inside the Oval Office, Xi stated that both economic and trade teams reached a fresh joint agreement, as reported by China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency. Xi emphasized that cooperation works both ways, noting that stabilizing bilateral trade ties requires expanding the list of cooperative areas while simultaneously reducing areas of friction.
Xi told U.S. counterparts that the new agreement is good news for the two countries’ industrial sectors and people, and also for the world economy.
Xinhua News Agency
Trump offered a brief assessment of the discussions to reporters after the formal meetings concluded, stating simply, We had a very good meeting.
Associated Press
White House Schedule and Regional Discussions
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met Xi and Peng Liyuan at the South Portico before moving to the Grand Foyer for speeches, a gift exchange, and a balcony appearance. The leaders subsequently held small-group and expanded meetings in the Oval Office, which were closed to the public and press aside from initial photo opportunities.
Following the indoor sessions, the two leaders walked the South Lawn and inspected the newly completed White House helipad, where Trump invited Xi aboard the presidential helicopter, Marine One. Beyond bilateral commerce, Xinhua News Agency reported that the leaders exchanged views on major international and regional issues, including the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East situation, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Unaddressed Issues and Remaining Itinerary
Neither leader answered press inquiries shouted during the visit regarding contentious topics such as Taiwan, artificial intelligence, or the imprisonment of pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai. White House press pool reporters noted that both delegations remained silent when questioned by journalists on those subjects.
