Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the United States and China would have a “fantastic future together” as the two leaders met for high-level talks in Beijing.
“It’s an honour to be with you… the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before,” Trump said during the meeting.
Xi, in response, stressed the need for cooperation between the two global powers. “A stable China-US relationship is a boon for the world. We should be partners and not rivals,” he said.
The US President was welcomed with a grand ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, where the two leaders reviewed military honours following a red-carpet reception.
Senior US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were also present.
Key issues on the agenda
The summit, scheduled from May 13 to 15, is expected to focus on trade tensions, the Iran conflict and the issue of Taiwan.
Trump signaled that trade would dominate discussions, as he seeks agreements for China to increase purchases of US agricultural products and aircraft. Ongoing trade disputes between the two countries have significantly impacted bilateral commerce and forced businesses to adjust operations.
The US President also indicated plans for extensive talks on Iran, urging Beijing to play a role in encouraging Tehran to reach an agreement with Washington.
Meanwhile, Xi is expected to raise concerns over US arms sales to Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.
High-profile visit and engagements
Trump’s visit marks the first trip by a sitting US president to Beijing since 2017. He is accompanied by several top business leaders, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Jensen Huang, among others from major US corporations.
The visit also includes cultural engagements, such as a planned tour of the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet, as both sides seek to stabilise relations amid ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions.
