Trump-Xi summit live: Powers 'should be partners, not adversaries,' Xi says

U.S. President Donald Trump began his first official visit to China in nearly nine years on Wednesday evening, arriving in Shanghai for a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House announced an itinerary packed with bilateral talks, including formal meetings, a state banquet, tea, and a working lunch. Key topics include trade tensions, Taiwan, the Iran war, and artificial intelligence, with Trump accompanied by corporate leaders such as Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang to explore commercial deals, including Boeing’s bid to sell up to 600 aircraft worth $37 billion. Discussions on Thursday centered on Boeing’s efforts to secure a massive aircraft order from China, which could rival Airbus’s recent deals with state-owned airlines China Southern and China Eastern. China’s aviation industry faces pressure from a growing high-speed rail network and rising fuel surcharges, set to increase by up to 50 yuan ($7.40) starting Saturday, amid concerns over consumer demand. Meanwhile, the Iran war looms as a backdrop, adding uncertainty to global economic stability. The summit’s economic focus extends to U.S. farm goods and technology exports, with analysts monitoring whether China will ease trade restrictions. China’s stock market reacted cautiously, with the CSI 300 Index down about 1% in morning trading despite earlier gains. Tensions over Taiwan remain a sensitive issue, as both sides seek to balance cooperation with strategic competition. Trump’s visit follows years of strained relations, with high expectations for easing trade barriers and strengthening commercial ties. The presence of corporate executives signals a push for concrete deals, though geopolitical challenges—including Iran and Taiwan—could limit progress. The White House has framed the meeting as an opportunity to reset U.S.-China relations, emphasizing partnership over adversarial policies.