Xi Jinping told Donald Trump on Friday that China and the United States must peacefully manage their superpower rivalry, as the US president gave his Chinese counterpart a welcome to the White House.
While Trump hailed their "truly great friendship" on a day of pomp and circumstance, Xi used his state visit to lay down China's red lines on AI, Taiwan and the Iran war.
Behind the pageantry the talks were focused on tensions that continue to divide the world's two largest economies.
In his opening remarks with Trump, Xi said the two countries must ensure there is "no conflict and no confrontation between us."
Xi also said that the development of artificial intelligence should be "always under human control" — in contrast to Trump, who has repeatedly dismissed warnings that AI could threaten humanity itself.
Trump's remarks struck a warmer tone, underscoring the US president's long-term efforts to woo the Chinese leader.
Few breakthroughs are expected during Xi's state visit.
A formal welcome on the White House South Lawn launched Thursday's events, before Trump and Xi inspected a military parade on the newly paved-over Rose Garden.
In the Oval Office, Trump said that the Chinese had the friendliest press corps.
His comment came days after he barred outlets CNN, MS Now and Politico from the White House — although they returned on Thursday after a court order.
"We had a great meeting," Trump said, as the pair ignored questions on subjects including Iran, Taiwan, fentanyl trafficking and jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai.