US President Donald Trump began the most significant phase of his China visit on Thursday as he met Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks expected to focus on trade, Taiwan and the conflict involving Iran, although analysts remain doubtful that major agreements will emerge.
Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening to a carefully staged welcome ceremony, with his motorcade passing rows of American and Chinese flags and illuminated skyscrapers displaying messages welcoming the US delegation.
The summit formally opened at the Great Hall of the People near Tiananmen Square, where Trump and Xi held a bilateral meeting before scheduled visits to the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet later in the day. Additional meetings, including a working tea and lunch, are planned for Friday.
The White House has indicated that Trump hopes to secure concrete economic outcomes during the trip, including expanded Chinese purchases of American agricultural goods, aircraft and energy products. US officials are also seeking progress toward establishing a formal trade board to manage commercial disputes between the two countries.
Despite the ceremonial atmosphere, major disagreements continue to cloud relations between Washington and Beijing. The conflict involving Iran has become a central issue, particularly after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz sent energy prices higher and raised concerns about global economic growth.
China remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil, and US officials are expected to press Beijing to encourage Tehran toward negotiations aimed at reducing tensions in the region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are among senior officials accompanying Trump on the visit.
Analysts said both sides are likely to defend firm positions on sensitive geopolitical matters. China is expected to push back strongly against planned US arms sales to Taiwan, the self-governing island claimed by Beijing.
The Trump administration has approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, though deliveries have not yet begun. Trump’s approach toward Taiwan has drawn close attention in both Washington and Beijing, particularly given Taiwan’s importance in global semiconductor manufacturing.
Trade and technology issues are also expected to dominate discussions. Trump is accompanied by senior business executives, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, reflecting the growing importance of technology and supply chains in US-China relations.
Washington is seeking greater access for American firms to Chinese markets while also trying to preserve agreements covering rare earth mineral exports critical to manufacturing and defence industries.
The two countries reached a trade truce last year that paused the threat of steep tariffs, and officials on both sides have expressed interest in extending the arrangement.
Trump is also expected to discuss the possibility of future nuclear arms talks involving the United States, China and Russia, although Beijing has previously shown little enthusiasm for such negotiations.
The summit comes as Trump faces political pressure at home over inflation, energy prices and the broader economic impact of the Middle East conflict ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
RSS