U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for a high-level summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at addressing rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump landed at Beijing Capital International Airport on Wednesday evening aboard Air Force One, marking the first visit by a sitting US president to China in nearly a decade.
The visit comes against a backdrop of strained relations between Washington and Beijing over trade disputes, Taiwan, and the ongoing war involving Iran, with analysts describing the meeting as one of the most consequential diplomatic engagements in recent years.
The White House said the summit would focus on easing long-standing disagreements while also exploring possible areas of cooperation between both powers.
Trump is expected to hold formal talks with Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday morning, followed by a state banquet in the evening.
Additional engagements, including a working lunch and informal discussions, are scheduled for Friday before the U.S. president returns home.
Speaking before departure, Trump said he expected a “long talk” with Xi, particularly on global security issues, including the conflict involving Iran.
“I don’t think we need any help with Iran,” Trump told reporters, while also describing Xi as “a leader of extraordinary distinction.”
Chinese authorities confirmed receipt of the U.S. delegation, with the foreign ministry stating that Beijing “welcomes” the visit and is ready to “expand cooperation and manage differences.”
Observers said trade remains a central issue, following last year’s tariff escalation that triggered duties exceeding 100 percent on both sides.
A temporary tariff truce agreed during a previous meeting in South Korea is also expected to be reviewed.
Another major issue on the agenda is Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, while the United States maintains unofficial support for its self-governing status. Trump has indicated he intends to raise the issue directly with Xi.
The summit is also expected to touch on technology restrictions, particularly US limits on China’s access to advanced semiconductor chips produced by leading American firms.
Reports indicated that leading U.S. business figures, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, were present within the wider delegation context as global tech and trade interests intensify around the visit.
Chinese officials have tightened security in Beijing ahead of the talks, with increased police presence reported across major parts of the capital.
Residents and observers in the city described the visit as highly significant, with some expressing hope that the meeting could ease global tensions.
“It’s definitely a big deal,” said Wen Wen, a 24-year-old traveller from Nanjing, adding that she hoped for “lasting peace” between both countries despite current instability.
Trump is expected to conclude his visit after Friday’s engagements and return to Washington.
