Trump and Xi hold talks in first US-China summit in nine years

US President Donald Trump arrived in China on Thursday for the first presidential summit between the two nations in nine years, marking a significant diplomatic engagement in the current geopolitical landscape. Upon his arrival, Trump was greeted by a troop parade and cheering children before proceeding to the capital for high-level discussions.

The President held a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping that lasted nearly two hours. During the talks, Xi reportedly told Trump that the United States and China are “partners not rivals.” The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the visit, stating that China stands ready to work with the United States to expand cooperation and manage differences.

Trump described the discussions as a “long talk” and noted that Xi had been “relatively good” on the topic of Iran. This comment comes against a backdrop of ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the US has intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship as part of a naval blockade. Despite Trump’s recent announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire, several vessels have continued to be attacked in the region.

Following the bilateral meeting, Trump toured the Temple of Heaven, a historic site in Beijing. The visit occurs amidst heightened security protocols following a recent attempted assassination at a press gala attended by the President. Federal investigators have confirmed that the gunman intended to assassinate Trump and several top officials, leading to increased scrutiny of security measures for the President’s travels.

The summit represents a key moment in US-China relations, with both sides signalling a willingness to engage despite broader global economic risks. The International Monetary Fund has warned that war and soaring energy prices could hit the global economy, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts to stabilise international trade and security frameworks.