United States President Donald Trump is expected in Beijing on Wednesday for a major diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening economic ties and addressing growing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
The trip marks the first visit to China by a sitting U.S. president in nearly a decade and comes at a sensitive moment in global politics, with disputes over trade, Taiwan and Iran expected to dominate discussions between Washington and Beijing.
Trump departed Washington on Tuesday ahead of the three-day state visit, saying he anticipated a lengthy conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on several critical international issues, including the ongoing crisis involving Iran.
Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, the U.S. president said China’s relationship with Iran would likely form part of the talks because Beijing remains one of the largest buyers of Iranian oil despite American sanctions.
“I expect a long talk with President Xi,” Trump said.
Although he acknowledged differences between both countries over Iran, Trump suggested the disagreements were manageable.
“Xi has been relatively good, to be honest with you,” the U.S. president stated.
“I don’t think we need any help with Iran. We’ll win it one way or the other. We’ll win it peacefully or otherwise,” he added.
The visit is Trump’s first trip to China since his earlier visit in 2017 and is expected to feature extensive bilateral meetings with Xi Jinping on Thursday and Friday.
Officials said the schedule included formal state events, a banquet and a tea reception as both leaders seek to stabilise relations between their countries.
One of the major issues expected to arise during the summit is Taiwan, the self-governing island claimed by China.
Trump recently indicated he would discuss U.S. arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, a move viewed by analysts as a shift from longstanding American policy which traditionally avoids direct consultation with Beijing on military support to the island.
Trade tensions are also expected to feature prominently during the meetings.
Relations between both countries have remained strained in recent years over tariffs, export restrictions and market access disputes.
China’s controls on rare earth exports, which are vital for global technology and manufacturing industries, are expected to be among the issues raised during the discussions.
Although both nations agreed to a one-year truce in their tariff dispute following a previous meeting between Trump and Xi in South Korea last October, economic rivalry between the two powers remains intense.
Trump has repeatedly criticised China’s large trade surplus with the United States and imposed tariffs on Chinese goods during his first term in office.
The American president is travelling with several high-profile business executives, including Tesla chief Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, highlighting the economic importance of the visit.
The summit also comes at a difficult period for China’s economy, which has struggled with weak domestic spending and a prolonged debt crisis in the property sector.
Security was visibly tightened across Beijing ahead of Trump’s arrival, with police increasing surveillance at major intersections and transport hubs.
Some residents expressed cautious optimism that the meeting could improve relations between both countries.
“It’s definitely a big deal,” said Wen Wen, a 24-year-old traveller from Nanjing.
“Some progress will certainly be made,” she added, expressing hope that both nations could maintain “lasting peace” despite rising global tensions.
Another Beijing resident, Li Jiahao, said the summit alone would not solve all disagreements between the two countries but described dialogue as necessary.
“China and the United States both have responsibilities as major powers,” he said.
“Only through friendship can we achieve mutual development and become stronger,” Li added.
Meanwhile, tensions surrounding Iran have further complicated relations between Washington and Beijing.
The United States recently imposed sanctions on 12 individuals and organisations accused of helping facilitate Iranian oil sales to China.
Reacting to the sanctions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing strongly opposed what he described as “illegal unilateral sanctions.”
Trump’s comments on Taiwan are also expected to be closely monitored by officials in Taipei amid concerns over America’s long-term commitment to the island’s security.
However, the U.S. president insisted that his personal relationship with Xi Jinping would help prevent conflict.
“I think we’ll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi. He knows I don’t want that to happen,” Trump said.
