US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for crucial talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the Iran war, trade tensions and US arms sales to Taiwan expected to dominate discussions.
The main bilateral meeting and formal banquet are scheduled for Thursday, but Chinese authorities rolled out a grand welcome for Trump upon arrival, including a reception led by Vice President Han Zheng and senior officials, alongside a ceremonial guard and youth delegation.
Speaking before departure, Trump highlighted the significance of the meeting, describing the United States and China as the world’s leading powers. Despite projecting confidence, the visit comes at a sensitive time for his administration, amid domestic concerns over inflation and the ongoing Iran conflict.
Trump is seeking progress on trade, including expanding Chinese purchases of American goods such as soybeans, beef and aircraft. Washington is also pushing to establish a new “Board of Trade” mechanism aimed at managing economic disputes and preventing a renewed escalation of the tariff war that was paused under a one-year truce last October.
However, the Iran war remains a pressing backdrop. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, particularly through tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump said Iran may not be a primary focus of talks, it continues to weigh heavily on his domestic agenda.
Taiwan high on the agenda
Taiwan is expected to be a central issue in the discussions, with Beijing strongly opposing US plans to supply weapons to the self-governed island, which China considers part of its territory.
Trump confirmed he would raise an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan that was approved last year but not yet implemented. His approach toward Taiwan has drawn scrutiny, with questions over whether Washington might adjust its level of support.
Taiwan’s strategic importance has also grown due to its dominance in semiconductor manufacturing, a key component in global technology and artificial intelligence supply chains.
Ahead of the visit, China’s state media reiterated that Taiwan remains a “red line” in bilateral relations and the most sensitive point of tension between the two countries.
Trump says relationship with Xi is on solid footing
Trump expressed optimism about long-term ties with China, suggesting both sides could maintain a stable relationship for decades. He also indicated plans to encourage greater access for US businesses in China during his talks with Xi.
Despite this optimism, analysts say China may enter the meeting from a relatively stronger position, particularly in areas such as technology restrictions and tariff negotiations.
Separately, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held talks on economic issues in South Korea ahead of the summit.
Trump is also expected to propose a trilateral nuclear arms agreement involving the US, China and Russia. However, China has previously shown reluctance to join such a pact, given the significant gap between its nuclear arsenal and those of Washington and Moscow.
The high-profile summit is being closely watched globally, though expectations for major breakthroughs remain limited.