Trump praises US-China friendship at state dinner with Xi Jinping

United States President Donald Trump hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a state dinner in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, concluding a day of talks. The summit, Xi's first visit in over a decade, aimed to foster greater dialogue between the two superpowers despite existing differences on issues like Iran, Taiwan, AI, and trade. Trump praised their personal relationship, stating they "have never gotten along better" and can build a relationship promoting prosperity and security. During their discussions, Trump showcased White House updates, including a tour of Marine One. The leaders discussed tensions over Taiwan, trade, and artificial intelligence.

President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Washington for a state visit, which includes discussions on AI technology, trade relations, and Taiwan. This visit coincides with the UN General Assembly, which Xi is not attending. The US and China have agreed to extend a temporary trade truce. In other news, the US has invited Vladimir Putin to a G20 meeting in December. Iran's president criticized the US at the UN General Assembly, calling it a "bully." Israel is facing a water shortage due to crippled desalination capacity, linked to damage to Gaza's wastewater infrastructure. A federal judge ordered the White House to restore press access for CNN, MS Now, and Politico. Eight US Navy personnel on the USS Lincoln have attempted suicide.

Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump met at the White House on Thursday evening for a state dinner, following a day of discussions and speeches. The leaders addressed American business executives and officials in the East Room. Earlier, they held their second face-to-face meeting of the year, which Trump described as "great," discussing topics such as Taiwan, the Middle East crisis, and the Ukraine war. The day's events also included speeches from both leaders emphasizing close ties and urging deeper cooperation. Trump also gave Xi a tour of the new White House helipad.

At the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the US as a "bully" and "terrorist" in the Middle East, while asserting Iran's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy without force. He vowed Iran would not yield to American pressure, even as the US delegation walked out during his speech. Pezeshkian also focused on securing regional support for Iran's proposals regarding the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for independent regional security. He accused the US of terrorism for assassinating a leader and killing schoolchildren, stating Iran only defended itself. Despite the defiant tone, Iran's foreign minister engaged in constructive talks with a US envoy, marking the first such meeting since June, though Iran has set preconditions for further negotiations.

Leaders from six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states will meet with US President Donald Trump in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The meeting occurs as the US-Israel war on Iran nears seven months, significantly impacting GCC economies through disrupted oil and gas exports and threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. GCC nations aim to convey concerns about potential consequences of further US military strikes on Iran and seek to persuade Trump towards de-escalation and concessions to Tehran. They also want to ensure freedom of navigation and address individual predicaments, such as Qatar's curtailed gas shipments and Saudi Arabia's pressure from Houthi advances in Yemen. Trump faces a "big decision" on the war and may seek greater GCC engagement against Iran in exchange for US intervention against Houthi attacks.

Middle Eastern leaders are converging at the UN General Assembly to address escalating regional conflicts, including the war with Iran, Houthi attacks, and the future of Gaza. Key figures from Jordan, Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel are expected to speak, with President Trump also scheduled to meet Gulf leaders to discuss the Iran conflict and regional stability. The Iran war has reshaped the region, creating potential for new energy partnerships and closer Israel-Arab cooperation, though Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping pose a new threat to energy supplies. Meanwhile, Arab nations are seeking a political settlement for Gaza, differing with Israel on Palestinian statehood and rejecting forced displacement. Diplomatic divisions are evident, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the assembly via video after being denied a U.S. visa.

During their first meeting at the UN in New York, Donald Trump praised Andy Burnham as a "natural businessman" and suggested the UK's relationship with the US was "more up" than under Keir Starmer, believing Burnham would be a "great prime minister." They discussed various topics including Rolls-Royce, energy, and immigration. However, Trump strongly criticized the UK's decision to give up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, calling it a "terrible deal" due to their strategic importance. Burnham stated they had established a good connection. Trump also commented on the Iran war and cost of living, and defended his actions regarding journalists.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Washington, DC, extending a trade truce that paused punishing tariffs. The extension, agreed upon before Xi's state visit, delays a ban on rare-earth exports from China and includes an agreement for China to purchase more US soybeans. While some analysts view this as a useful interim step towards a more durable deal, others describe it as "transactional theatre" and "pure optics" aimed at improving Trump's political standing before upcoming US midterm elections. Despite the truce, deeper strategic rivalries persist between the two nations, encompassing competition in AI, rare-earth metals, and geopolitical issues like Taiwan and the Iran war. The short duration of the extensions suggests a permanent trade deal remains elusive.

During his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked Iran, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and critics accusing Israel of violations against Palestinians. Netanyahu also criticized allied nations like the United Kingdom and France for their stances on Israeli actions. He defended Israel's war against Iran, stating it was a necessary decision to prevent greater harm, and declared Israel was engaged in a "seven-front war." Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for his partnership, highlighting joint missions over Iran and efforts to recover hostages. The speech prompted dozens of international envoys to walk out. The article also notes that Netanyahu faces an upcoming election and denies charges of genocide and war crimes, despite an ICC warrant.