Trump and Xi seek new path in US-China relations

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press
BEIJING, China — US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled a push to stabilize relations during talks in Beijing, with trade, Iran and Taiwan emerging as the main issues on the summit agenda.

According to Euronews, citing AP and AFP, the two leaders met as part of talks held in Beijing between 13 and 15 May. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People, where Trump was welcomed with a formal ceremony before the two sides moved into bilateral discussions.

Trump and Xi send partnership messages

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Trump said he was honored to be with Xi and described the Chinese leader as a friend. He said relations between China and the United States would be “better than ever” and added that the two countries could have “a great future” together.

Xi also struck a cooperative tone, saying the two major powers should be “partners, not rivals.” He said a stable China-US relationship would be a major gain for the world, while cooperation would benefit both sides and conflict would harm them.

Formal welcome held in Beijing

Trump was received on a red carpet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. After the two leaders shook hands, a formal welcome ceremony was held.

A Chinese military band played the national anthems of both countries as ceremonial cannon shots were fired. Trump and Xi then walked past an honor guard. Children carrying US and Chinese flags also greeted the leaders with welcome slogans.

Xi also shook hands with members of the US delegation, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. After the ceremony, the two leaders entered the Great Hall of the People to begin their talks.

Trade remains a central issue

Trade was one of the main items on the agenda. Trump was expected to seek agreements under which China would buy more US agricultural products and aircraft.

The US president said he would focus mainly on trade during his talks with Xi. The Trump administration’s trade war with Beijing has contributed to a sharp decline in US-China trade and forced companies on both sides of the Pacific to restructure their operations.

For Washington, increased Chinese purchases of American goods could be presented as a step toward reducing tensions. For Beijing, a more predictable trade relationship with the United States would help ease pressure on exporters and investors.

Iran also on the agenda

Trump also said he would hold a “long discussion” with Xi about Iran. The issue is sensitive because China buys a large share of Iran’s oil, despite US sanctions targeting Tehran.

Trump was expected to encourage Beijing to use its influence to push Tehran toward an agreement with Washington. However, the US president also argued that Washington did not need China’s help on Iran.

The issue comes at a time when energy flows, sanctions enforcement and regional security remain closely connected in US-China diplomacy. Any Chinese role in talks over Iran could affect both Middle East diplomacy and wider strategic bargaining between Washington and Beijing.

Taiwan remains a key source of tension

Taiwan was also expected to be one of the most sensitive topics in the talks. Xi was expected to raise Washington’s arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing views as part of its own territory.

The United States approved more than $10 billion in arms sales to Taiwan in December, although deliveries have not yet begun. China has repeatedly opposed such sales, saying they interfere in its internal affairs.

Washington, meanwhile, maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and has long provided defensive weapons to the island. The issue remains one of the most serious flashpoints in US-China relations.

Visit marks first US presidential trip since 2017

Trump’s visit to Beijing marks the first trip to China by a US president since 2017. Trump last visited China in 2017 with his wife, Melania Trump. This time, Melania Trump was not part of the delegation.

The US president was accompanied by several senior business executives. The delegation included names such as Jensen Huang, Elon Musk and Tim Cook, as well as executives from Meta, Visa, JPMorgan Chase, Boeing and Cargill.

The visit program also included a trip to the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Chinese emperors once prayed for good harvests. A formal state dinner was also scheduled for the evening.

The Beijing meetings are being closely watched to see whether they can open a more stable phase in relations between the world’s two largest economies after years of tension over trade, technology, security and Taiwan.

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