Trump Says Talks With Xi Covered Taiwan, AI, Trade and Regional Security

May 16, 2026

Washington: US President Donald Trump said he held extensive discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Taiwan, artificial intelligence, Iran, trade, cyber operations and nuclear arms reduction, describing the talks as “very historic” and suggesting a possible easing of tensions between the United States and China.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling to Anchorage, Alaska, Trump praised Xi and said both leaders had developed “a very good understanding” on several major geopolitical issues.

Taiwan Emerged as Central Focus

Trump said Taiwan was one of the dominant topics during the talks, with Xi strongly opposing any move towards Taiwanese independence.

“President Xi and I talked a lot about Taiwan,” Trump said. “On Taiwan, he does not want to see a fight for independence because that would be a very strong confrontation.”

Trump revealed that Xi raised concerns regarding US arms sales to Taiwan and questioned whether Washington would militarily defend the island in case of conflict.

“He asked me if I’d defend them. I said, I don’t talk about that,” Trump said.

The US President added that a decision regarding future arms sales to Taiwan would be made soon.

AI Cooperation and Trade Discussions

Trump also disclosed that both countries discussed possible cooperation on artificial intelligence safeguards and risk management.

“We talked about possibly working together for guardrails,” he said, adding that AI could significantly impact health, medicine, military systems and global operations.

According to Trump, discussions also covered biological, cyber and nuclear risks associated with advanced AI systems.

On trade, Trump announced what he described as a major Boeing agreement involving China’s purchase of more than 200 aircraft, with potential expansion to 750 planes.

Cyber Operations and Nuclear Issues Also Discussed

Trump said the leaders discussed denuclearisation involving China, Russia and the United States.

“We brought it up, the denuclearization,” Trump said. “The concept of that is something that would be very good.”

The President also acknowledged discussions on cyber espionage between the two countries.

“We spy like hell on them, too,” Trump remarked while responding to questions regarding Chinese espionage concerns in the United States.

Trump further stated that Xi agreed Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, indicating shared concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

The remarks suggest broader strategic engagement between Washington and Beijing despite ongoing rivalry over trade, technology, military influence and the Indo-Pacific region.