BEIJING – U.S. President Donald Trump is heading to China for a state visit aimed at keeping a fragile trade truce on track. The two nations remain locked in disputes over technology, supply chains, Taiwan, and global security. Trump will be meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping for bi-lateral talks, along with ceremonial events meant to project stability between the world’s two largest economies.
The trip marks Trump’s first visit to China since 2017 and only the third U.S. state visit to China in 30 years. The meetup comes after months of tension between the two governments. Trade is expected to dominate the agenda, including tarriffs, agricultural purchases and the future of a broader economic rivalry that continues to shape global markets.
Follow our continuing coverage.
Beijing: Trump-Xi Summit at Temple of Heaven Concludes with Symbolic Tour
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have wrapped up a joint visit to one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks, the Temple of Heaven, a 6th-century UNESCO-listed complex that served as a sacred site where China’s imperial rulers once performed harvest rituals.
The two leaders strolled the historic grounds together after concluding formal bilateral discussions at the Great Hall of the People. The excursion followed substantive talks covering a range of contentious issues, including tariff policy, Taiwan, technology export controls, and access to each other’s markets.They also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis, and the Korean Peninsula.
The temple tour effectively marked the close of the day’s formal public engagements, with a state dinner anticipated later in the evening as the summit heads into its next phase.
Beijing: The Xi-Trump meeting has now concluded.
The talks lasted just about 2 hours and 15 minutes, per the White House and Chinese state media. The discussion revolved around trade, Taiwan and other differences in the U.S.-China relationship.
In his opening remarks, Xi leaned into a message of cooperation, saying the world had “arrived at a new crossroads” and that the US and China “should be partners rather than opponents.” He cited the “Thucydides Trap” in warning Trump that the U.S. and China must avoid conflict as tensions rise.
Xi raised the sensitive topic of Taiwan, emphasising that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations” and warning that mishandling it could lead the two countries to “clash or even conflict.”
Live from Beijing: President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping greeted one another in a formal opening ceremony, including a portion dedicated to each country’s national anthem. Each side in their greetings touted a strengthened U.S.-China relationship based on optimism surrounding the summit.
During his statement, President Trump expressed a rather positive tone in his remarks, stating that “you [President Xi Jinping] are a great leader” and that “the relationship between China and the United States is going to be better than ever.” He also noted that the summit may be the “greatest of all time”.
On the Chinese side, President Jinping stated that common interests between China and the US “outweigh differences,” and the China-US relationship is “key to global stability.” He, in a similar vein to Trump, said that “2026 will be a landmark year for bilateral relations”.
Bilateral talks are now underway. Additional events planned include a visit to the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet.
Beijing: President Donald Trump has arrived at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Chinese President Xi Jinping personally greeted him for their high-stakes bilateral summit.
President Donald Trump landed in China at 7:50 PM local time / 7:50 AM ET and was received by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. Also present at the arrival were U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng, and Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu.
Beijing: Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news briefing that China welcomes President Trump on his state visit to China. China stands ready to work with the United States, to expand cooperation and manage differences, he added.
Seoul: Lee Jae-myung Holds High-Level Talks with US and China
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung discussed supply chains and critical minerals with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during their meeting on Wednesday, the Blue House said.
In a separate meeting, Lee told Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng that Seoul would support dialogue between the United States and China.
North Korea was not discussed in either meeting, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung confirmed.
Trump Heads to Beijing: High-Stakes Xi Summit with Major CEO Delegation
Key topics expected include trade and tariffs, rare earth minerals, AI/export controls, Taiwan, energy deals, and stabilizing ties amid the Iran war. Both sides aim for concrete wins like Boeing aircraft purchases, U.S. agricultural and energy exports from China, and forums to boost mutual investment.
Who’s Who on the U.S. Side President Donald Trump leading the delegation.
– Elon Musk (Tesla CEO) traveling aboard Air Force One.
– Jensen Huang (Nvidia CEO) joined mid-trip in Alaska after not being on the initial list—his addition highlights AI and chip policy focus amid H200 sales uncertainty to China.
– Other top CEOs include Tim Cook (Apple), Larry Fink (BlackRock), Kelly Ortberg (Boeing), David Solomon (Goldman Sachs), and executives from Visa, Mastercard, Qualcomm, Meta, and more—totaling around 16 business leaders.
Full 3-Day Schedule (Beijing Time)
– Wednesday, May 13
Evening: Air Force One arrives in Beijing. President Trump and delegation touch down and begin official program.•
– Thursday, May 14
~10:00 AM: Official welcome ceremony with Xi Jinping
10:15 AM: Bilateral meeting between Trump and Xi
Afternoon: Joint visit to the Temple of Heaven (accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump)
6:00 PM: Grand state banquet hosted by Xi Jinping
– Friday, May 15
11:30 AM: Friendship photo opportunity
11:40 AM: Bilateral tea session / informal discussions
12:15 PM: Working lunch with Xi Jinping
Afternoon: Trump and delegation depart Beijing
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