Xi Meets Trump at a "Turning Point" Summit.. Learn About Their Main Disagreements

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The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25, at the invitation of his American counterpart Donald Trump.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said today, Monday, during a regular press conference shortly after the announcement, that Xi will engage in "in-depth exchanges of views with Trump on major issues related to Chinese-American relations, as well as global peace and development" during the visit.

He also added that the reciprocal visits of the two heads of state within a six-month period carry "historical and significant importance." He continued, saying that "China is ready to work with the United States to enhance dialogue and cooperation, manage differences appropriately, continuously improve the well-being of the peoples of both countries, and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the world."

Additionally, he affirmed that his country "will work with the American side to enrich the essence of the constructive strategic stability relationship between the two countries and enhance dialogue."

This meeting comes as trade relations between the two sides continue to experience ongoing tensions due to the U.S. trade deficit in favor of China, and Washington's imposition of strict tariffs on Chinese goods to protect its domestic industries.

Additionally, Washington's accusations against Beijing of adopting unfair trade practices, such as intellectual property theft and excessive government intervention to support and favor Chinese companies domestically, are among the most prominent contentious issues between the two sides.

Moreover, the technology and national security race between the two countries is one of the most significant sources of ongoing disputes.

Furthermore, the two countries are competing for control over global supply chains for vital materials and rare minerals that are essential in modern technology industries and electric vehicles.

On top of all this, the Taiwan issue is significant, as China considers it an integral part of its territory and has repeatedly pledged to "reunify it" by force if necessary.

While Washington continues to support Taiwan politically and militarily, through arms sales and a commitment to defend it under its domestic laws, China considers this a blatant interference in its sovereignty and an attempt to undermine it.

Beijing also constantly talks about the necessity of reshaping the international system to be more multipolar and to reduce American unilateral hegemony (through blocs like BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative).

Meanwhile, Washington insists on leading the global system, sometimes boasting about its advanced military capabilities, especially during Trump's presidency.

Additionally, the foreign alliances between Beijing and Washington vary, and their positions differ on many political issues, especially regarding Iran, as well as Russia.