The agreements were among a series of trade, security and technology measures announced after Xi’s state visit to Washington this week, according to a White House fact sheet released Friday.
The two leaders agreed to establish a U.S.-China dialogue on what they called “super intelligence,” or SI, to discuss the risks and benefits of emerging AI technologies. They also agreed to set up a bilateral communication channel for incidents involving the technology, with another round of exchanges planned by November.
On global security, Trump and Xi discussed Russia, North Korea and Iran and agreed that Tehran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. They also agreed that no country or institution should be allowed to impose tolls on international waterways.
The White House did not explicitly name Iran or the Strait of Hormuz in the toll provision, but the statement came immediately after its reference to Iran’s nuclear program. The wording comes as Tehran seeks to maintain control over traffic through the key waterway amid the continuing Iran war.
The agreement could put China, a major partner of Iran, in an increasingly delicate position.
Beijing has maintained close strategic ties with Tehran but also depends heavily on maritime trade and energy imports that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions or higher shipping costs therefore pose risks to China’s own economic interests.
China had already called for the strait to reopen. During talks with his Iranian counterpart on Sept. 16, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged all parties to take steps toward reopening Hormuz and protecting international shipping, energy transportation and supply chain stability.
The summit also produced new economic commitments. The two countries agreed to recommend lower tariffs on $30 billion worth of non-sensitive goods in each direction, covering U.S. exports such as agricultural products, seafood and medical devices and Chinese exports including small appliances and toys.
China also agreed to import at least 10 million metric tons of U.S. coal annually in 2027 and 2028, while the two sides said they would continue talks on shortages involving rare earths and other critical minerals.
The two leaders also agreed to pursue what the White House described as a “constructive relationship of strategic stability” based on respect, fairness and reciprocity, while Trump called for trilateral arms control negotiations involving the United States, China and Russia.
AJP Takeaways
- Trump and Xi agreed to launch a new dialogue on advanced AI and oppose tolls on international waterways.
- The waterways pledge could add pressure on Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.
- The U.S. and China also announced new tariff, energy and critical minerals commitments after Xi’s Washington visit.
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