Trump Meets Xi in Beijing Amid Trade, Iran and Taiwan Tensions

President Donald Trump arrives in Beijing on Tuesday for two days of meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first such visit by a sitting U.S. president in nearly nine years. The talks come at a moment when energy prices remain elevated worldwide because of the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while both capitals seek to prevent further damage to already strained commercial ties.

White House officials have described the agenda as centered on restoring reciprocity in trade, securing Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural goods and aircraft, and establishing channels to discuss artificial intelligence security. A delegation that includes Tesla chief Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock’s Larry Fink and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg will accompany Trump, signaling an emphasis on concrete commercial outcomes. China’s purchases of Iranian oil, which account for the large majority of Tehran’s exports, and Beijing’s recent directive instructing firms to disregard certain U.S. sanctions are also expected to feature.

Taiwan remains the most sensitive issue. Trump has said the topic “always comes up” and that he will discuss U.S. arms sales, which Beijing opposes. Administration officials have stated there will be no change in long-standing U.S. policy. Analysts at the Brookings Institution note that any shift in wording on Taiwan’s status would be closely watched by both sides.

The summit was originally planned for March but was postponed after the Iran conflict began. Expectations for sweeping agreements remain low. Officials on both sides have spoken instead of extending the existing trade truce reached last October in Busan and of creating bilateral mechanisms to manage future disputes over investment and technology exports. Rare-earth supply chains and possible limits on advanced chip sales are also on the table.

Trump has repeatedly described his personal relationship with Xi as strong, telling reporters he expects “great things” for both countries. Chinese officials have emphasized equality and mutual benefit while rejecting U.S. criticism of their Iran trade. The two leaders last met in person in October 2025.