Trump Begins High-Stakes Beijing Visit as US-China Tensions Dominate Agenda

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a closely watched summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with disputes over trade, Iran and Taiwan expected to dominate talks between the rival powers.

Trump landed aboard Air Force One at Beijing Capital International Airport in the evening, marking the first visit to China by a sitting US president in nearly ten years. The trip, originally expected earlier this year, had been delayed because of the conflict in the Middle East.

Despite growing geopolitical tensions, the US president signalled that economic ties and business agreements would remain central to the visit. Among those travelling with Trump were Jensen Huang and Elon Musk, reflecting the strong business focus surrounding the summit.

The inclusion of Huang drew particular attention as Nvidia continues to face restrictions on selling advanced artificial intelligence chips to China under US export controls introduced on national security grounds.

During the flight to Beijing, Trump wrote on social media that he would urge Xi to “open up” China further to American businesses and innovation.

Chinese officials have prepared an elaborate schedule for the visit. Trump and Xi are due to meet on Thursday morning at the Great Hall of the People, followed by a state banquet in the evening. Additional meetings, including a tea session and working lunch, are planned before Trump departs on Friday.

Trade relations are expected to be among the most difficult issues under discussion. The two countries remain locked in a prolonged economic dispute after tariffs introduced last year triggered retaliatory measures from both sides that pushed import duties above 100 percent on some goods.

Officials are expected to discuss extending a temporary tariff truce reached during a previous meeting in South Korea last year. Rare earth exports, technology restrictions and agricultural trade are also likely to feature prominently in negotiations.

Foreign policy issues will also weigh heavily on the talks. Trump said before departing Washington that he intended to discuss the ongoing US-Israeli conflict involving Iran, noting China’s economic ties with Tehran through oil purchases.

The president also indicated he would raise the issue of US arms sales to Taiwan, a topic that remains highly sensitive for Beijing, which considers the self-governing island part of its territory.

China’s foreign ministry welcomed the visit, saying Beijing was prepared to “expand cooperation and manage differences” with Washington.

Security measures across Beijing were visibly tightened ahead of the summit, with increased police presence at transport hubs and key intersections throughout the city.

Analysts say the outcome of the meeting will be closely watched by global markets and US allies across Asia, particularly for signs of whether relations between Washington and Beijing are stabilising or moving toward deeper confrontation.