Trade, Iran and Taiwan on the agenda as Trump arrives in China for high-stakes talks with Xi

May 13, 2026

President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing Wednesday evening for a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, receiving an elevated diplomatic reception that included a greeting from Vice-President Han Zheng rather than a lower-level official. Trump brought prominent American technology executives including Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Tim Cook, and Larry Fink, reflecting his priority of opening Chinese markets to U.S. tech companies. The leaders plan to address several contentious issues including ongoing tariff disputes, restrictions on technology exports and imports, the war in Iran which has disrupted Chinese oil supplies, and America's complex relationship with Taiwan.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping
U.S. tech industry CEOs (Elon Musk of Tesla, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Tim Cook of Apple, Larry Fink of BlackRock, Kelly Ortberg of Boeing)
Eric Trump
Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng
U.S. agricultural producers
Chinese firms seeking U.S. computing chips
Iran (as a discussion topic)
Taiwan
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators
Both the U.S. and Chinese economies broadly

What action is being taken

Trump is participating in a two-day summit visit to Beijing
The global superpowers are discussing tariffs, technology competition, the war in Iran, and Taiwan relations
U.S. tech CEOs are traveling with Trump to China
China is presenting itself as a competitor in the global AI arms race
Rising oil prices are putting pressure on China's economy due to the Iran conflict

Why it matters

This summit represents a critical moment in U.S.-China relations as the world's two largest economies navigate deteriorating trade ties, with bilateral commerce dropping by over $275 billion in just two years. The meeting's significance extends beyond economics to global security, as both nations must address the ongoing Iran conflict that threatens oil supplies and economic stability. The inclusion of major American tech leaders signals potential shifts in technology trade policies that could reshape global innovation and competition, while tensions over Taiwan remain a fundamental challenge to regional stability in the Asia-Pacific.

What's next

Thursday: Trump will participate in a welcome ceremony with Xi at China's Great Hall of the People, a state banquet, multiple bilateral meetings, and a "friendship photo" in Beijing's Zhongnanhai Garden
Friday: Trump will have tea and a working lunch with Xi before departing China

Read full article from source: BBC