US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Thursday for high-stakes talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as tensions over Ir...
US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Thursday for high-stakes talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as tensions over Iran, Taiwan, trade and technology continue to shape relations between the world’s two biggest economies. While both sides projected warmth and stability in public, major disagreements remained unresolved behind closed doors.
Xi welcomed Trump at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People with a lavish state ceremony that included a military band, a 21-gun salute and crowds of schoolchildren waving Chinese and American flags. Trump praised Xi during the visit, calling him “a great leader” and saying relations between Washington and Beijing could become “better than ever before”.
However, the cordial atmosphere contrasted sharply with the warnings issued by the Chinese president over Taiwan. According to Chinese state media, Xi told Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push both countries towards “clashes and even conflict”. The remarks came amid continued tensions over a proposed US arms package for Taiwan and growing concern in Beijing over Washington’s support for the self-governed island.
The summit also focused heavily on the ongoing Iran conflict and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route. Trump said Xi had offered China’s assistance in helping negotiate an end to the war and reopening the strait. He also claimed Xi assured him that China would not supply military equipment to Iran, although Beijing still intends to continue purchasing Iranian oil.
Despite the political uncertainty, global markets reacted positively. Wall Street surged to fresh record highs, driven by continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and technology stocks. European markets also closed higher, while Asian markets were mixed.
Trade remained another major talking point. Trump said China could expand purchases of American agricultural goods and aircraft, including a possible order for Boeing jets, as both sides attempt to avoid a renewed trade war after last year’s tariff disputes.
Xi welcomed Trump at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People with a lavish state ceremony that included a military band, a 21-gun salute and crowds of schoolchildren waving Chinese and American flags. Trump praised Xi during the visit, calling him “a great leader” and saying relations between Washington and Beijing could become “better than ever before”.
However, the cordial atmosphere contrasted sharply with the warnings issued by the Chinese president over Taiwan. According to Chinese state media, Xi told Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push both countries towards “clashes and even conflict”. The remarks came amid continued tensions over a proposed US arms package for Taiwan and growing concern in Beijing over Washington’s support for the self-governed island.
The summit also focused heavily on the ongoing Iran conflict and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route. Trump said Xi had offered China’s assistance in helping negotiate an end to the war and reopening the strait. He also claimed Xi assured him that China would not supply military equipment to Iran, although Beijing still intends to continue purchasing Iranian oil.
Despite the political uncertainty, global markets reacted positively. Wall Street surged to fresh record highs, driven by continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and technology stocks. European markets also closed higher, while Asian markets were mixed.
Trade remained another major talking point. Trump said China could expand purchases of American agricultural goods and aircraft, including a possible order for Boeing jets, as both sides attempt to avoid a renewed trade war after last year’s tariff disputes.