Donald Trump arrived in China on Wednesday for a three-day state visit that will focus on trade tensions, the ongoing Iran conflict, technology competition and regional security issues during talks with Xi Jinping.
Trump, who visited China at the invitation of Xi Jinping, was received at the airport by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
The visit marks Trump’s second trip to China in nine years and comes as Washington and Beijing try to stabilize relations strained by tariffs, technology restrictions and geopolitical rivalry.
Seventh personal meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping
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The state visit focuses on trade tensions, the ongoing conflict in Iran, technological competition and regional security issues. Discussions are expected to cover tariffs, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, rare earth supply chains and Taiwan.
Taiwan is a key issue for China, which claims it as its territory and opposes US arms sales and diplomatic support for Taipei. Beijing has increased military pressure on the island, and the US is mandated by law to help Taiwan defend itself.
Global attention is on whether Trump and Xi can help ease tensions surrounding the US-Israeli-Iranian conflict, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz. China, as the main buyer of Iranian oil, has influence over Iran.
The delegation includes prominent figures such as Elon Musk (Tesla), Tim Cook (Apple) and Jensen Huang (Nvidia). The group also includes other executives from Boeing and Goldman Sachs.
China firmly opposes any form of military ties or arms sales from the United States to Taiwan, stressing that Taiwan is a domestic concern and “the core of China’s core interests.”
The summit will be the seventh face-to-face meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping. The two leaders last met in October 2025 in Busan, South Korea.
Trump and Xi are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on Thursday, followed by tea and a working lunch on Friday, according to US Senior Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly.
Kelly also said Washington plans to host Xi Jinping on a reciprocal visit to the United States later this year.
Trade agreements and tariffs dominate the agenda
Trade is expected to dominate discussions between the world’s two largest economies.
Before departing Washington, Trump said trade would be a central topic in his talks with Xi, adding that the US was trying to secure more Chinese purchases of American agricultural products and aircraft.
The visit comes amid efforts to resolve disputes over tariffs that have affected more than $525 billion worth of Chinese exports to the US.
Before Trump’s arrival, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent completed another round of trade talks in South Korea, although details were not disclosed.
Officials said the discussions covered tariffs, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, rare earth supply chains and Taiwan.
America’s top CEOs join Trump’s delegation
Trump is accompanied by several top US business executives, underscoring the economic importance of the visit.
The delegation includes Elon Musk and Tim Cook, whose companies maintain extensive operations in China.
Apple recently regained the lead in China’s smartphone market after seeing a 28 percent increase in iPhone shipments in early 2026.
Meanwhile, Tesla reported sales of 79,478 vehicles made in China, including exports, in April, a 36 percent year-on-year increase.
Chinese officials said top American and Chinese executives will participate in networking events at an exclusive international business club during the summit.
The Iran War and the Strait of Hormuz in the spotlight
Despite the heavy trade focus, global attention is expected to focus on whether Trump and Xi can help ease tensions surrounding the US-Israeli-Iran conflict.
The potential for disruption in the Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for global energy markets and supply chains.
Before Trump’s visit, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Beijing for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
China, the largest customer of Iranian oil and a close strategic partner of Tehran, has significant influence on Iran.
After the talks, Wang urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, while acknowledging Tehran’s stated commitment not to develop nuclear weapons — a key demand that Trump has repeatedly made.
China has become increasingly concerned about the conflict in the Persian Gulf, especially after Washington imposed restrictions on Iranian ports that affected oil exports to China.
Tensions in Taiwan are expected to be more pronounced
The issue of Taiwan is also expected to feature prominently during the summit.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military pressure on the island with repeated military exercises and the deployment of its air force and navy around Taiwan.
China has consistently criticized US arms sales and diplomatic support for Taipei, viewing them as interference in its internal affairs.
Trump at cultural events in Beijing
In addition to official meetings, Trump’s itinerary includes a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a historic imperial complex where Chinese emperors traditionally prayed for good harvests.
Read also | Why Nvidia’s Jensen Huang’s surprise trip to Beijing is drawing global attention
