Trump Arrives in Beijing for Crucial Summit With Xi Amid Global Tensions

BEIJING: US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a major summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as both nations attempt to ease growing tensions over trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Trump landed aboard Air Force One at Beijing Capital International Airport around 7:50pm local time after a lengthy journey from Washington, marking the first visit by a sitting US president to China in nearly ten years.

The high-profile visit comes at a sensitive moment for relations between the world’s two biggest economies, with disputes over tariffs, Taiwan and Iran continuing to strain ties. Trump’s trip had originally been scheduled for March but was delayed due to the escalating war in the Middle East.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, Trump appeared heavily focused on business and technology partnerships. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang reportedly joined the presidential delegation during a stop in Alaska, while Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk also travelled with the US president.

Artificial intelligence is expected to be one of the central topics during the summit. China remains restricted from purchasing Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips under US export controls imposed on national security grounds.

During the flight to Beijing, Trump wrote on social media that he would urge Xi to “open up” China further so American technology leaders could expand opportunities in the country.

Trump and Xi are scheduled to hold formal talks on Thursday morning at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, followed by an official state banquet later in the evening. Additional meetings, including a working lunch and tea session, are planned for Friday before Trump returns to Washington.

Speaking before departing the White House, Trump said he expected lengthy discussions with Xi regarding the Iran conflict, particularly given China’s strong economic ties with Tehran through oil imports.

However, the US president also attempted to downplay differences between the two nations, saying he believed China had been “relatively good” regarding Iran and that Washington did not require Beijing’s assistance in handling the issue.

China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the visit, saying Beijing was prepared to “expand cooperation and manage differences” with the United States.

Meanwhile, Chinese officials are reportedly becoming increasingly concerned about instability in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently encouraged Pakistan to continue mediation efforts between Iran and the United States.

Taiwan is also expected to dominate discussions after Trump indicated he planned to discuss US weapons sales to the self-ruled island with Xi — a notable shift from Washington’s longstanding policy of avoiding direct consultation with Beijing on such matters.

Trade tensions are likely to remain another major focus of the summit. The two countries have been locked in a prolonged tariff dispute since Trump imposed sweeping duties last year, prompting retaliatory measures from China that pushed some tariffs above 100 percent.

Both leaders are expected to discuss extending the temporary one-year tariff truce reached during their last meeting in South Korea, although analysts believe reaching a broader agreement may prove difficult.

China’s restrictions on rare earth mineral exports and agricultural trade are also anticipated to be part of the negotiations.

Security across Beijing was visibly tightened ahead of the summit, with police stationed at major intersections and conducting identity checks on subway passengers.

Many Chinese citizens view the meeting as highly significant. A traveller from Nanjing told AFP she hoped the talks would produce “lasting peace” despite growing global uncertainty.

Trump has repeatedly highlighted what he describes as a strong personal relationship with Xi, claiming earlier this week that their ties could help prevent future conflict over Taiwan.

The summit is being closely watched by Taiwan and key US allies across Asia for any indication of changes in Washington’s support for the island.