Trade, Iran and Taiwan on the agenda as Trump arrives in China for high-stakes talks with Xi
Former US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a two-day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where trade tensions, Iran’s war, and Taiwan’s status are expected to dominate discussions. The visit follows a postponed schedule due to the US-Israel conflict in Iran, with both sides aiming to address trade deficits, technology competition, and regional stability.
Former US President Donald Trump landed in Beijing on Wednesday for a high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, marking his first visit since 2017. The two-day meeting will focus on trade disputes, including tariffs and the US trade deficit, which reached over $200 billion in 2023. Trump, accompanied by tech executives like Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, aims to push China to 'open up' its markets and boost US agricultural exports, while Beijing seeks tariff reductions. The war in Iran is another key topic, as China relies on Iranian oil exports now disrupted by the Strait of Hormuz conflict. Trump dismissed the need for Chinese intervention but acknowledged discussions on the issue, while Beijing faces economic pressure from rising oil prices. Tensions over Taiwan will also linger, with the US approving arms sales to Taipei while avoiding explicit defense commitments. Trade between the two nations has declined sharply, dropping from $690.4 billion in 2022 to $414.7 billion last year amid tariff wars and export restrictions. China’s demand for US-made AI chips contrasts with US concerns over technology theft, giving Beijing leverage through rare earth metals critical for high-tech industries. Trump’s arrival was marked by ceremonial greetings, including a red-carpet welcome by Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng, a higher-level reception than his 2017 visit. His delegation included business leaders like Apple’s Tim Cook and BlackRock’s Larry Fink, signaling economic priorities. The summit aims to stabilize relations amid global uncertainties, though disagreements on trade, Taiwan, and regional conflicts remain unresolved.
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