Trump-Xi summit live: Leaders meet again as Beijing cites 'new consensuses'

U.S. President Donald Trump began a two-day visit to China on May 15, marking his first trip to the country in nearly nine years as both nations seek to stabilize their strained relationship. The summit in Shanghai and Beijing included bilateral talks, a state banquet, and private meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on critical issues like the Iran war, trade tensions, Taiwan, and artificial intelligence. Trump brought a delegation of corporate executives, including Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, aiming to secure deals for U.S. aircraft and farm goods. On the second day, Trump and Xi met at Zhongnanhai, the Communist Party headquarters, where China’s foreign ministry announced they had reached 'a series of new consensuses.' The leaders agreed to address mutual concerns, strengthen communication on international issues, and support a ceasefire in the Middle East to restore stability in the Gulf region. China also emphasized reopening shipping routes to maintain global supply chains. The meeting included a scheduled 'friendship photo' and a working lunch, with both sides reportedly aiming to finalize concrete outcomes before Trump’s departure. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated hopes for progress on the case of Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old Hong Kong media tycoon imprisoned for colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials. Rubio stated the U.S. would welcome any arrangement ensuring Lai’s freedom. Crowds gathered in Beijing to catch glimpses of Trump’s motorcade, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the visit. The summit follows months of heightened tensions, with Taiwan remaining a focal point of discussions. Analysts expect the talks to yield cautious steps toward easing trade barriers and military concerns, though deeper divisions on issues like human rights and technology controls persist.