KATHMANDU: Trade, technology, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and regional issues will be the main topics of discussion between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on Thursday. Both sides are trying to continue the dialogue even if the US-China relationship remains competitive.

Ahead of the talks, the US and China have agreed to extend the trade ceasefire by two months until January 10. The ceasefire was earlier scheduled to expire on November 10. The two countries have also been at loggerheads over the supply of rare earth and critical minerals, advanced technology and chips.

The issue of artificial intelligence has also become a new area of discussion. US officials have said that the two sides are likely to discuss the creation of a mechanism to exchange information on artificial intelligence incidents that could affect national security.

On the issue of Iran, the US has been urging China to use its influence to encourage Tehran to end the conflict. China, on the other hand, has been expressing its views on economic relations with Iran and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The issue of Taiwan is also expected to be raised in the talks as a sensitive issue between the two countries. China has been clearly expressing its concerns about Taiwan-related issues, while the United States has been providing security equipment to Taiwan. President Xi has been urging the sale of such weapons.

Although there are differences on trade and security, both sides want to maintain dialogue to avoid further tension in the relationship. According to analysts, this time the talks may be an attempt to maintain the existing trade consensus and move forward on sensitive issues rather than a big deal.