Trump touts 'fantastic' trade deals as China visit ends

U.S. President Donald Trump wrapped up a two-day summit in Beijing, declaring the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping 'incredible' and highlighting 'fantastic trade deals' without disclosing specifics. Speaking at Zhongnanhai, China’s Communist Party compound, Trump said progress had been made on trade, citing commitments from Beijing to buy soybeans, liquefied natural gas, and 200 Boeing aircraft. He also claimed China would invest 'hundreds of billions of dollars' in companies led by executives including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Trump and Xi continued discussions over tea and lunch, with Xi stating via Xinhua that both sides had reached 'important common understandings' on stable economic ties and addressing concerns. The leaders also reportedly aligned on Iran, with Trump reiterating opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran and emphasizing the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, which has been partially blocked since March due to U.S.-Israeli strikes. Taiwan remained unaddressed publicly, despite Xi’s prior warning that it was the 'most important issue' in bilateral relations and could lead to conflict if mishandled. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened military action to reunify it. Analysts noted the unusual emphasis on Taiwan during the summit, contrasting with Trump’s administration’s December 2025 announcement of an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, including rockets, drones, and anti-tank weapons. The summit took place at Zhongnanhai, a historic site where U.S. President Richard Nixon met Mao Zedong in 1972, marking a pivotal moment in Cold War diplomacy. Trump praised his relationship with Xi, calling him a 'friend,' though he did not elaborate on resolved issues. The meeting included a lavish meal featuring dishes like kung pao chicken, steamed pork, and chocolate brownies, reflecting China’s rare hospitality for foreign leaders at the compound.