Trump and Xi Jinping convene in Beijing for first US-China presidential summit in nine years
Donald Trump arrives in the Chinese capital for high-stakes talks with Xi Jinping, who characterises the relationship as a partnership rather than a rivalry.
US President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first visit by an American president to China since 2017. The diplomatic engagement, which commenced on 14 May 2026 following a welcome ceremony, ends a nearly decade-long hiatus in direct presidential interaction between the two nations.
The summit aims to ease tensions between the two superpowers, with discussions expected to cover a complex array of bilateral and international issues. Key topics include the US-Israeli war on Iran, trade disputes, Taiwan, the Hormuz blockade, and rare earths. Iran sells most of its US-sanctioned oil to China, a factor that has significantly influenced diplomatic dynamics in the region.
During the talks, Xi Jinping 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 upcoming discussions as a “long talk” and noted that Xi had been “relatively good” on the topic of Iran. However, he downplayed the need for Chinese assistance regarding the conflict, stating, “I don’t think we need any help with Iran.”
The visit has drawn intense global scrutiny as the leaders prepare to address long-standing disputes. While the exact outcomes of the talks remain unconfirmed, the meeting represents a significant moment in US-China relations, with both sides seeking to navigate a volatile geopolitical landscape.
