US and China Spar Over Trade, Tech Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

In September 2026, ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the US auto industry urged Trump to keep Chinese automakers out of the US market. China pushed back against calls to slow down AI development, and Chinese robotics suppliers rose after a report on Tesla's Optimus audit. China also opposed new US sanctions on Russia, with its embassy warning that a sanctions bill by Senator Lindsey Graham could lead to higher US gas prices.

The summit is expected to address trade and technology tensions. The auto industry's request and China's response on AI and sanctions highlight the competing positions before the meeting.