President Donald Trump landed in Beijing on Wednesday (May 13) for a highly anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as tensions over Taiwan, ongoing trade disputes, and the war with Iran test the strength of United States–China relations. The visit marks President Trump’s first trip to China since 2017 and comes at a time of heightened uncertainty for both nations and the global economy.

Trump’s arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport was met with an elaborate ceremony, including a military honor guard, a band, and about 300 Chinese youth waving Chinese and American flags and chanting, "Welcome, welcome! Warm welcome!"

Trump was greeted by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue, along with several top U.S. business leaders, such as Tesla’s Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

The summit’s main events will take place on Thursday and Friday, with bilateral talks and a formal banquet scheduled. At the top of the agenda is the possible creation of a U.S.-China Board of Trade aimed at managing differences and improving stability in the global economy. Trump has stated his intent to push for China to "open up" to more American businesses and reduce trade barriers, hoping to secure economic wins that are visible ahead of the upcoming midterm elections (Al Jazeera).

Trade issues are expected to remain central, with both sides seeking new agreements. The United States is pressing for China to buy more American agricultural products and resume exports of critical minerals, while China wants the U.S. to ease controls on advanced technology and semiconductors. This friction over technology and supply chains is compounded by China’s dominance in rare earth minerals, which are vital for electronics and military equipment.

The war with Iran is also a major topic, with Washington urging Beijing—by far the largest buyer of Iranian oil—to use its influence to help bring Iran to the negotiating table. Energy security and stability in the Strait of Hormuz are of shared concern, as disruptions have affected global shipping and oil prices.

Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive and potentially volatile issues at the summit. The United States maintains unofficial ties and arms sales to the island, while Beijing views Taiwan as a core interest and has increased military activities around it. Any change in U.S. policy or rhetoric could have significant consequences.

President Trump is accompanied by a delegation of top American executives, highlighting the economic stakes of the trip. The presence of leaders from Apple, BlackRock, Boeing, and other major firms underscores hopes for new business opportunities if trade barriers are reduced.

Simon Conway