Xi Jinping, China’s President, hours after arriving in Washington to carry out an important and official trip, in remarks published by Chinese state media, called for his country and the United States to be partners rather than rivals.

Xi said that the interests of the two countries are deeply intertwined and that they should, while cooperating, also have “competition within specific frameworks.”

During this three-day visit, which came with a warm and special welcome from Donald Trump, the U.S. president, difficult discussions are likely to take place regarding trade issues, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and Iran.

It was also announced that the bilateral trade truce, which delays the implementation of broad U.S. tariffs, has been extended until January.

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