President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping this week amid escalating U.S.–China tension over AI, tariffs, Taiwan, and Iran.
AI Competition
Both nations lead in artificial intelligence, with U.S. models still ahead.
Rep. John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition, said he expects no major policy deals.
“I don’t expect a lot of clear policy agreements,” he told The Epoch Times. “It will be a relationship‑building exercise.”
He urged a U.S.–China hotline to prevent a runaway AI scenario, echoing warnings from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and Elon Musk of XAI.
Trade and Tariffs
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the administration may ease tariffs on non‑critical Chinese goods.
Moolenaar said he is “open on non‑strategic goods,” but warned that relaxing rules on strategic tech such as semiconductors or quantum computing could jeopardize U.S. security.
“Once we’re dependent, they have the leverage,” he added, citing past dependence on critical minerals.
Taiwan and Military Support
The summit will likely touch on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, a requirement under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.
China demands the United States halt arms deliveries, referencing a 1982 pledge to scale back support only if a peaceful resolution occurs.
Moolenaar noted Trump has supplied Taiwan with more arms than predecessors and said he sees no change in the status quo, aiming to keep peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Iran and Russia
Moolenaar hopes Trump will push back against China’s support for Iran and Russia.
He said China assists both nations through energy purchases, though it is not a combatant in the conflicts.
