Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump departed for China on Tuesday night, U.S. time, amid rising tensions in the Middle East following retaliatory actions by Iran after a joint U.S.-Israel strike against the country.
Chinese officials said discussions between the world’s two largest economies would focus on major issues including trade, tariff increases, and the situation in the Middle East. China is viewing the visit as an opportunity to improve trade relations with the United States.
International media reports indicated that the Iran crisis and the security situation in the Gulf region would remain central topics during the visit.
The state visit to China, scheduled for Wednesday, will mark the seventh face-to-face meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Their previous meeting took place in Busan, South Korea, in October 2025.
China considers the visit an opportunity to advance trade agreements and resolve tariff disputes with the United States. According to reports, the tariff measures have affected more than $525 billion worth of Chinese exports.
President Trump had previously visited China during his first term in 2017. This time, he is expected to arrive in Beijing accompanied by chief executives of several major American companies.
The White House
has not publicly disclosed President Trump’s full itinerary. However, according to White House officials, he will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, President Xi will formally welcome him before bilateral talks take place.
The two leaders are also expected to hold informal discussions on Friday, followed by a luncheon hosted by the Chinese President. The United States is reportedly planning to invite President Xi for an official visit to Washington.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng traveled to South Korea on May 12 and 13 for trade negotiations with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The talks are expected to serve as the final round of negotiations ahead of President Trump’s visit.
Topics expected to be discussed include trade, tariffs, artificial intelligence and technology, Taiwan, U.S. arms sales to Taipei, Iran and Middle East security, rare minerals, and supply chains.
President Trump’s schedule also includes a visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, a historic complex where ancient Chinese emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Trade Negotiations
Before departing for Beijing, President Trump stated that trade would be the most important issue in his discussions with President Xi. He said the United States plans to sign additional agreements with China under which China would purchase more American food products and aircraft.
The two countries are also planning to establish a trade board aimed at resolving bilateral disputes.
China’s Expectations
China is expected to gain significantly from the visit, particularly as top executives from major U.S. multinational companies are accompanying President Trump.
Among them are Elon Musk, head of Tesla
, and Tim Cook of Apple
, both of whom have substantial business interests in China.
In early 2026, Apple reportedly secured the top position in China’s competitive smartphone market, driven by a 28 percent increase in iPhone sales. Meanwhile, sales of Tesla vehicles manufactured in China, including exports, reached 79,478 units in April, representing a 36 percent increase compared to the previous year, indicating a recovery in production.
Global Attention on the Visit
The international community is closely monitoring the visit amid expectations that discussions may contribute to easing tensions related to the Gulf crisis and the Iran conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently visited Beijing, a development that was closely observed by the United States. China remains the largest importer of Iranian oil.
China has urged Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, while the U.S. Secretary of State said Iran’s policies were increasingly isolating the country internationally.
Analysts say China seeks stability in the Gulf region because of its deep ties with countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.
Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times
stated that the talks between the two leaders should help bring stability to bilateral relations and strengthen future cooperation.
China has also indicated that the Taiwan issue will be an important topic during the meeting, while the United States has urged China to make what it described as the “right decision” regarding Taiwan.
— RSS/Xinhua/AFP
