Trump's China visit set to test fragile truce

May 11, 2026

US President Donald Trump will visit China from May 13-15 to meet with President Xi Jinping, marking the first presidential visit in almost ten years during a critical period for US-China relations. The meeting follows a turbulent trade relationship that escalated in April 2025 when Trump imposed sweeping tariffs triggering a trade war with China, which was only temporarily paused after the leaders met in South Korea last October. Major American corporate executives from companies like Boeing and Qualcomm will accompany Trump, potentially to negotiate business agreements with Chinese partners.

Who is affected

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping
American companies including Boeing, Citigroup, and Qualcomm (executives traveling with Trump)
Chinese businesses and manufacturers
US farmers (Trump's voter base hit by Chinese retaliatory tariffs on agricultural goods)
American consumers and firms scrambling to find alternative supplies
Chinese workers dependent on exports to the US
Western technology firms like Nvidia
Huawei and TikTok (subject to US restrictions)
Countries globally affected by Trump's tariff policies (Mexico, Canada, Europe)

What action is being taken

Trump is traveling to China (May 13-15) to meet with Xi Jinping
American corporate executives are traveling with Trump to potentially make deals with Chinese firms
The Trump administration is launching an investigation into China and other countries over unfair trade practices
Chinese senior officials are pledging strong measures to protect China's energy security and supply chains
A temporary 10% levy is being imposed on all countries by the US

Why it matters

This visit represents a critical juncture for the world's two largest economies as they attempt to resolve a damaging trade war that has disrupted global supply chains and business operations. The meeting tests the fragile trade truce established in October and could determine whether the countries move toward permanent resolution or renewed conflict. China's record export levels and investment in manufacturing independence demonstrate its strengthened negotiating position, while US court challenges to Trump's tariff authority have weakened his leverage. The outcome will significantly impact global trade patterns, businesses dependent on US-China commerce, and the broader geopolitical landscape including approaches to the Iran war.

What's next

Trump will meet with Xi Jinping from May 13-15 in China
US executives will potentially negotiate deals with Chinese firms during the visit
The investigation into China and other countries over unfair trade practices will proceed
Future court challenges to the latest global tariffs are possible following the recent US trade court ruling

Read full article from source: BBC