United States President Donald Trump is expected in China on Wednesday for a crucial state visit aimed at strengthening trade ties and addressing rising tensions over Taiwan and Iran.
The trip marks the first visit to China by a sitting US president in nearly a decade and comes amid growing geopolitical and economic concerns between the world’s two largest economies.
Speaking before departing Washington on Tuesday, Trump disclosed that he anticipated a lengthy discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Iran, particularly over China’s continued purchase of Iranian oil despite US sanctions.
“I expect a long talk with President Xi,” Trump told reporters, while also downplaying disagreements with Beijing over Iran.
“Xi has been relatively good, to be honest with you. I don’t think we need any help with Iran. We’ll win it one way or the other — peacefully or otherwise,” he said before boarding Air Force One.
The three-day visit, Trump’s first to Beijing since 2017, is expected to feature intensive talks on Thursday and Friday, alongside ceremonial events including a state banquet and tea reception.
Among the major issues expected to dominate discussions are trade imbalances, China’s restrictions on rare earth exports, Taiwan, and the ongoing tariff truce reached by both leaders during their last meeting in South Korea in October.
Trump also indicated he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan — a self-governing island claimed by China — a move seen as a shift from Washington’s traditional stance of avoiding direct consultation with Beijing on military support for Taiwan.
Security was visibly heightened across Beijing ahead of the summit, with police monitoring major intersections and conducting identity checks at subway stations.
Many residents expressed cautious optimism about the talks.
“It’s definitely a big deal,” said Wen Wen, a 24-year-old visitor from Nanjing, who expressed hope that both countries would ensure “lasting peace” amid global instability.
Trade relations between Beijing and Washington have remained strained in recent years, particularly after Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports during his first term in office over what he described as unfair trade practices and China’s huge trade surplus with the United States.
The White House said Trump would be accompanied by top American business executives, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook.
The summit also comes at a delicate moment for China’s economy, which continues to battle weak domestic consumption and a prolonged property sector crisis.
Meanwhile, tensions surrounding Iran have added another layer of complexity to US-China relations. The US Treasury Department recently imposed sanctions on 12 individuals and entities, including some based in Hong Kong, accused of facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China.
Responding to the sanctions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing “firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions.”
Trump’s remarks on Taiwan are also expected to draw close attention from Taipei, especially amid concerns over continued US support for the island.
“I think we’ll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi. He knows I don’t want that to happen,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
