Trump lands in Beijing for crucial talks with Xi Jinping on tariffs and Iran war
Former US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a three-day state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on trade tensions, tariffs, and the Iran conflict. The meeting, the seventh in-person discussion between the two leaders, also includes business executives like Elon Musk and Tim Cook to address economic and technological competition, including AI and Taiwan’s security.
Donald Trump landed in Beijing on May 13, 2026, for a state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking his second trip to China in nine years. The three-day visit aims to address strained US-China relations, with key discussions centered on trade tensions, tariffs, and the ongoing Iran conflict. Xi Jinping’s invitation underscores efforts to stabilize ties amid geopolitical rivalry, including disputes over technology, rare earth supply chains, and Taiwan. Trump’s delegation includes prominent US business leaders such as Elon Musk (Tesla), Tim Cook (Apple), and Jensen Huang (Nvidia), highlighting the economic stakes. Apple recently regained its top spot in China’s smartphone market after a 28% surge in iPhone shipments in early 2026, while Tesla reported a 36% year-over-year increase in China-made vehicle sales in April. These executives will participate in networking events alongside Chinese officials during the summit. Trade remains a central focus, with over $525 billion in Chinese exports to the US affected by tariff disputes. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng recently held trade negotiations in South Korea, though details were not disclosed. Trump has emphasized securing additional Chinese purchases of American agricultural products and aircraft. The Iran conflict is a critical topic, with China’s role as a major buyer of Iranian oil potentially influencing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Taiwan’s status is another contentious issue, as China opposes US arms sales and diplomatic support for Taipei, viewing it as a core national concern. The US is legally obligated to assist Taiwan’s self-defense, adding to regional security discussions. This is the seventh in-person meeting between Trump and Xi, following their last encounter in Busan, South Korea, in October 2025. A reciprocal visit by Xi to the US is planned for later this year, further signaling efforts to improve bilateral relations amid global challenges.
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