US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on May 13, 2026, for his first official China visit in nine years.
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Trump at the Great Hall of the People before both leaders began a high-stakes bilateral meeting.
The summit marks only the second in-person meeting between Trump and Xi since Trump’s return to the White House. Both leaders entered talks cautiously, aware of strained ties and global attention on their discussions.
The ongoing Iran war featured prominently on the agenda. Trump urged Xi to use China’s influence with Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and push for renewed negotiations. Rising oil prices and global energy instability added urgency to the talks.
Trade and economic issues also resurfaced. Trump and Xi discussed extending the current trade truce, with possible agreements on increased Chinese purchases of US goods such as Boeing aircraft, agricultural exports, and energy products.
Taiwan remained a sensitive flashpoint. Xi warned Trump that US political and military support for Taiwan could trigger conflict. Trump emphasised deterrence and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Artificial intelligence and technology cooperation entered the conversation, with both sides exploring regulation and risk management amid intensifying competition. Other topics included fentanyl trafficking, Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai’s case, nuclear expansion, and South China Sea tensions.
Analysts predicted limited breakthroughs. The summit is expected to yield modest economic deals, an extension of the trade pause, and commitments to continue dialogue. With inflation and slowing growth affecting both nations, the meeting represents a critical test of whether Washington and Beijing can manage rivalry without destabilising the global order.
