Tech leaders set to join Trump’s dinner for Xi Jinping

19:30

By: Azzat Manal

Tech leaders set to join Trump’s dinner for Xi Jinping

Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang are expected to attend a White House state dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump for Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Chinese leader’s upcoming visit to Washington. The event is scheduled for September 24 and is expected to bring together senior political figures and prominent business leaders.

OpenAI has confirmed Altman’s participation, while Cook is also expected to attend, according to people familiar with the arrangements. Huang is likewise set to join the gathering, highlighting the growing role of major technology companies in discussions surrounding U.S.-China economic and strategic relations.

The dinner comes as Washington and Beijing continue to navigate complex issues involving trade, advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Technology has become an increasingly important part of the relationship, with both countries seeking to strengthen their positions in areas such as AI, computing infrastructure and advanced chips.

Nvidia’s presence is particularly significant because the company supplies processors widely used in artificial intelligence systems. U.S. restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports to China have made the chip industry a central element of the broader technology competition between the two countries.

The participation of leaders from Apple, OpenAI and Nvidia also reflects the increasingly close connection between diplomacy and the global technology industry. American technology companies have substantial commercial interests in China, while their products, supply chains and investments are affected by decisions made by both governments.

The upcoming Trump-Xi meeting is therefore expected to attract attention not only for its diplomatic implications but also for its potential relevance to the technology sector. Artificial intelligence, semiconductor supplies and trade rules are among the issues shaping the economic relationship between the world’s two largest economies.

The White House state dinner will provide an opportunity for political and business figures to meet alongside the two presidents, at a time when Washington and Beijing are seeking to manage competition while maintaining dialogue on areas of mutual economic interest.