Newsman: Speaking in the White House’s Grand Foyer earlier Thursday, Xi said both nations are leading in artificial intelligence, and called for the “development of AI, always under human control.”
Xi said “cooperation may not solve every problem” for the U.S. and China, but he said it’s necessary. The Chinese president also said he hopes Chinese companies are treated fairly in the United States.
“We should coexist in peace,” Xi said, through a translator. “As I have said many times, China and the United States, as two major countries, set to gain from cooperation and will both lose in competition. We do not need to avoid mentioning competition, but our competition should be a healthy one, and should be kept within bounds.”
Speaking after Trump, Xi thanked his U.S. counterpart for the “warm hospitality,” and said “there is plenty of room for us to work together,” later stressing the importance of healthy competition, according to a consecutive translation of his remarks.
“We do not need to avoid mentioning competition, but our competition should be a healthy one and should be kept within bounds. It should be a race of catching up with one another, not a wrestle in which one either wins or loses,” Xi said via translation.
Xi emphasized the importance of ensuring that Chinese companies are being “treated fairly” in the U.S., notable remarks given the tit-for-tat trade war the two countries have engaged in.
“China-U.S. cooperation may not solve every problem in the world, but without our cooperation, it would be hard to solve many of the world’s problems. China keeps its door wide open, welcomes American companies wanting to invest and do business there. We hope Chinese companies are treated fairly here in the United States,” Xi said.
President Xi also directly addressed the issue of AI, saying that both countries have the ability and duty to make sure AI remains under human control.
“Both China and the United States are leading nations in 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 via translation.
President Xi emphasized his eagerness to work with Trump and similarly nodded to their warm relationship.
“China and the United States are different in national conditions, but through candid, in-depth and continued dialogue, our two countries can understand each other better, seek common ground while shelving differences, and build up mutual trust. President Trump and I have respect for each other. We have built personal rapport and stayed in touch,” he said.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Xi shared that two giant pandas will be coming to the U.S.– an announcement that prompted a smile from Trump.
“The giant panda has been an envoy of friendship between the Chinese and Americans. Here, I have a piece of good news. In a few days, two pandas, Ping-Ping and Fu Shuang, will come to their new home in Zoo Atlanta, and meet with the American people,” Xi said.
President Trump told reporters he and Xi had a “great meeting” following President Trump and President Xi met in the Oval Office. But he declined to answer shouted questions about whether they discussed Taiwan, artificial intelligence or Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy businessman who was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong.
“We had a great meeting,” Mr. Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn.
Mr. Trump referred to Xi as an “expert on stone” who “loves good granite” before showing the Chinese president the new White House helipad on the South Lawn. Mr. Trump also took Xi inside Marine One.
Soon afterward, as Xi prepared to depart the White House, Mr. Trump again ignored questions about whether he had raised Lai’s case with Xi. Again, Mr. Trump said the two had a “great meeting.”
Trump says he and Xi forged a “great friendship”
Speaking inside the White House’s Grand Foyer, President Trump reminisced on the friendship he and Xi have had for years.
“Im delighted to welcome you to the beautiful White House,” Mr. Trump said. “Such a great honor. In May, we had the great privilege of visiting you in Beijing, where you received our delegation with spectacular and very beautiful hospitality. Now, Melania and I are honored to host you in Washington as President Xi becomes the first ever Chinese leader to make a second formal state visit to America.”
“From the time of my first election in 2016, President Xi and I have forged a friendship, a truly great friendship, actually, built on mutual respect and the vital interests of our people,” Mr. Trump continued.
The U.S. president said he and Xi have made “tremendous strides” for their two countries, including on balancing trade and increasing market access for farmers. The president said the two leaders will discuss “pressing issues” about security, technology and AI or what he calls super intelligence.
Mr. Trump said “both China and the United States are great countries.”
