Trump Arrives in China for High-Stakes Talks with Xi Jinping

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for crucial talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, with trade tensions, the Iran conflict and Taiwan expected to dominate discussions.

Trump landed in the Chinese capital on Wednesday evening and was received by Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng in a gesture analysts view as a sign of Beijing’s diplomatic respect for the US president.

The two leaders are expected to hold talks over tariffs, technology competition and the worsening crisis in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The visit, initially planned for March, had been delayed because of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has continued to unsettle global markets and oil supplies.

Trump, who last visited China in 2017, is returning to what observers describe as a more assertive and economically stronger China amid rising geopolitical rivalry between both countries.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Trump said he would urge China to further open its economy to American businesses and technology firms.

“I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic,” Trump wrote on social media before arriving in Beijing.

The US president travelled alongside several American business leaders and technology executives, including Tesla chief executive Elon Musk and Nvidia boss Jensen Huang.

Trade is expected to feature prominently in the discussions as both countries continue to navigate years of tariff disputes and restrictions on technology exports.

According to reports, bilateral trade between the two countries fell sharply from about $690bn in 2022 to roughly $414bn last year.

Washington is also expected to push Beijing to increase purchases of American agricultural products, while China may seek lower US tariffs on Chinese exports.

The war in Iran is also likely to shape the talks. China remains heavily dependent on Iranian oil imports and has longstanding political and economic ties with Tehran.

Before departing Washington, Trump said he and Xi would have a “long talk” about Iran, although he added that the United States did not necessarily require China’s assistance in resolving the conflict.

Taiwan is also expected to remain a sensitive issue during the summit amid continued tensions between Beijing and Washington over US military support for the self-governed island.

Trump is scheduled to participate in a state welcome ceremony, bilateral meetings and a state banquet before departing China on Friday.

Source: BBC News