Trump arrives in Beijing for high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping

Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday ahead of a closely watched summit with Xi Jinping, as both leaders prepare for talks expected to focus on Iran, trade relations and Taiwan.

Although formal discussions are scheduled to begin on Thursday, Trump was welcomed with elaborate state ceremony on arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, where a military honour guard, musical performances and cheering crowds of young people received the American President.

Among Chinese officials present to receive Trump were Vice President Han Zheng, Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng and other senior government representatives.

Before departing Washington on Tuesday, Trump sought to downplay reports of tension with Xi over the Iran crisis, expressing confidence that the visit would produce positive outcomes.

The US President also spoke optimistically about ties between the two countries, describing the United States and China as “the two superpowers” and suggesting continued cooperation between both nations.

The summit is expected to address several major geopolitical and economic issues, including the escalating situation in Iran, bilateral trade negotiations and Washington’s planned arms sales to Taiwan, a move strongly opposed by Beijing.

Trump indicated that economic discussions would play a central role during the visit, including conversations surrounding an $11 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan, reportedly the largest approved by Washington.

Ahead of the meeting, Chinese authorities reiterated that Taiwan remains a highly sensitive issue in relations between both countries, warning against any external interference in the island’s defence affairs.

The visit comes at a politically sensitive period for Trump, whose domestic approval ratings have reportedly faced pressure amid concerns over inflation and rising tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

Despite those challenges, the US President is expected to push for agreements that could increase Chinese purchases of American products such as soybeans, beef and aircraft as part of efforts to expand U.S. exports.

Discussions are also expected to cover broader trade and economic matters, including proposals for a joint US-China trade board aimed at resolving disputes that emerged during last year’s trade tensions between the two countries.

In addition, Trump is expected to raise the possibility of a trilateral nuclear arms agreement involving the United States, China and Russia, with the aim of placing limits on nuclear stockpiles across the three major powers.