Trump and Xi start Beijing talks with trade truce and Iran war

BEIJING: US President Donald Trump received a warm and grand welcome at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Thursday before important talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Their discussions are expected to focus on the fragile trade agreement between the two countries, the Iran war, and US arms sales to Taiwan.

Trump’s visit to China has gained extra importance as his popularity at home has been affected by growing tensions in the Middle East. This is also the first visit by a US president to China since Trump’s previous trip in 2017.

Several top business leaders joined Trump on the visit, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang. Trump said he wants China to “open up” more opportunities for American industries and businesses.

At the start of the two-day summit, Xi Jinping welcomed Trump on a red carpet outside the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders smiled, shook hands warmly, and walked together as a brass band played the national anthems of both countries. Military honour guards stood in rows while children waved flowers along with US and Chinese flags.

Experts say the relationship between the two countries has changed since Trump’s last visit. Ali Wyne, a senior adviser on US-China relations, said China once tried hard to show its growing global power to the United States. Now, he believes the United States itself is recognising China’s strong position in world politics.

During the visit, Trump and Xi are expected to spend a lot of time together. They will hold meetings at the Great Hall of the People, visit the famous Temple of Heaven, attend a state banquet, and later share tea and lunch together.

Trump enters the talks facing several challenges. US courts have limited his ability to impose tariffs on Chinese goods, while the Iran war has increased inflation in the United States and created political pressure ahead of midterm elections.

Although China’s economy has slowed down, Xi Jinping is not facing the same level of political pressure. Still, both sides want to maintain the trade truce reached last October. Under that agreement, Trump suspended very high tariffs on Chinese goods, while China stepped back from limiting exports of rare earth materials that are important for products like electric cars and weapons.

The two countries are also expected to discuss trade, investment, and cooperation on artificial intelligence issues.

The United States wants to increase sales of Boeing airplanes, agricultural products, and energy to China to reduce the trade gap between the two countries. China, meanwhile, wants the US to ease restrictions on chip-making equipment and advanced semiconductors.

Apart from trade, Trump is expected to ask China to help convince Iran to make a deal with Washington to end the ongoing conflict. However, analysts believe Xi may not pressure Tehran too much because Iran remains an important strategic partner for China.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it is also in China’s interest to help resolve the crisis because many Chinese ships are currently stuck in the Gulf, and a slowdown in the global economy could hurt Chinese exports.

Another major issue in the talks is US arms sales to Taiwan. China strongly opposes these sales and considers Taiwan part of its territory. A $14-billion US weapons package for Taiwan is still waiting for Trump’s approval.

Experts say Trump may not easily give in to China’s demands over Taiwan, even though Beijing considers it one of its top priorities.

Xi Jinping is also expected to make a return visit to the United States later this year, which would be his first trip to America since Trump returned to office in 2025.