US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed optimism ahead of his upcoming visit to China, saying he expected “great things” for both countries as he prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
Posting on Truth Social before the trip, Trump praised China and Xi, writing: “I am very much looking forward to my trip to China, an amazing Country, with a Leader, President Xi, respected by all. Great things will happen for both Countries!”
Beijing confirmed that Trump will visit China from May 13 to 15 following an invitation from Xi Jinping. The visit is expected to focus heavily on trade, tariffs, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, Iran and access to critical minerals, while both sides attempt to stabilise relations between the world’s two largest economies.
A senior White House official said more than a dozen leading American business executives will accompany Trump during the visit, underscoring the economic importance of the trip. The delegation is expected to include major figures from the technology, finance, aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
Among those reportedly travelling are Tim Cook of Apple, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Larry Fink of BlackRock, Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone, and executives from companies including Boeing, Goldman Sachs, Meta, Qualcomm, Visa and Mastercard.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said his relationship with Xi remained strong and argued that the United States was now benefiting from its economic engagement with China.
“We are doing a lot of business but it is mostly smart business,” Trump said. “We used to be taken advantage of for years with our previous presidents, but now we are doing great with China, we’re making a lot of money with China.”
According to US officials, the two leaders are expected to discuss extending a one-year trade truce agreed last October, though no final agreement has been reached. Broader trade tensions, tariffs and market access are also expected to feature prominently during the talks.
The visit is additionally aimed at strengthening US economic and national security interests, with discussions planned on the possible creation of a US-China Board of Trade and Board of Investment. Cooperation in aerospace, agriculture and energy is also expected to be explored.
Iran is likely to emerge as another major topic during the summit. US officials said Trump intends to raise concerns about China’s relationship with Tehran, including Chinese purchases of Iranian oil and allegations involving dual-use exports connected to both Iran and Russia.
Taiwan and artificial intelligence are also expected to be high on the agenda as Washington and Beijing continue competing for influence in emerging technologies and regional security.
Trump’s schedule in Beijing includes a formal welcome ceremony and bilateral meeting with Xi on Thursday morning, followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet later in the evening. On Friday, the two leaders are expected to hold a tea meeting and working lunch before Trump departs for Washington.
Officials also indicated that Xi Jinping and his wife are expected to visit Washington in 2026 as part of continuing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
