Trump arrives in China for Xi talks as tariffs, AI and Iran dominate agenda

BEIJING, CHINA: President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, May 13, for a closely watched summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first visit to China by a sitting US president in nearly a decade.

The trip comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, ongoing trade disputes and uncertainty surrounding the conflict involving Iran.

Trump was welcomed with an official arrival ceremony as both countries prepare for two days of talks expected to focus on tariffs, technology, Taiwan and global security issues. 

The president landed aboard Air Force One alongside a delegation that included several prominent American business leaders and executives from major technology and financial firms. 

Formal welcome opens US-China talks

Trump was greeted on the tarmac by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, a senior official widely viewed as Xi Jinping’s envoy for major diplomatic events.

US Ambassador to China David Perdue and Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng were also present during the arrival ceremony.

As Trump descended the steps of Air Force One, a brass band performed while hundreds of children dressed in blue and white uniforms waved flags and chanted greetings in Mandarin.

Trump later traveled through Beijing in a heavily coordinated motorcade route lined with Chinese and American flags.

The summit between Trump and Xi is scheduled to officially begin on Thursday, May 14, with a welcome ceremony and bilateral talks.

Trump is also expected to tour the historic Temple of Heaven and attend a state banquet before departing China on Friday following a working lunch with Xi.

 Earlier this week, Trump said he expected “great things” from the meeting.

The president has repeatedly said the United States is “doing great with China” and expressed optimism about future economic cooperation.

Trade, Taiwan, Iran to dominate talks

The Trump-Xi summit comes at a time of intensified strategic competition between Washington and Beijing.

Analysts expect discussions to include tariffs, rare earth mineral supplies, artificial intelligence regulations, Taiwan and the continuing fallout from the Iran conflict.

China has reportedly viewed the ongoing Iran war as potentially strengthening Beijing’s leverage in negotiations with Washington.

Sources familiar with Chinese government thinking suggested Beijing believes Trump may seek tangible economic outcomes ahead of upcoming US political battles.

Experts also expect China to push for reduced US restrictions on advanced technology exports and the removal of sanctions targeting Chinese companies.

Beijing is additionally expected to press Washington on Taiwan-related issues as China continues to assert claims over the self-governed island.

Ahead of the summit, US and Chinese trade delegations led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met in South Korea for discussions on economic and trade matters. Chinese state media described the talks as “candid, in-depth, and constructive.”

Meanwhile, the hashtag “#WelcomeTrumpToChina” became a top trending topic on Chinese social media platform Weibo shortly after Trump’s arrival.

Social media users posted messages welcoming the president while others referenced Trump’s well-known Chinese nickname, “Chuan Jianguo.”