US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China from May 13 to 15 for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with trade relations, Iran, Taiwan and technology expected to dominate discussions.
Confirming the visit on Monday, China’s foreign ministry said Trump would travel to Beijing at Xi’s invitation. The trip marks Trump’s first visit to China during his second presidential term after an earlier March visit was postponed due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Officials from both countries described the meeting as “highly symbolic,” though the discussions are expected to focus heavily on practical issues surrounding economic cooperation and geopolitical tensions.
According to the White House, Trump aims to push for what officials described as a more “balanced” economic relationship with China. US Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the president intends to prioritise “reciprocity and fairness” in trade negotiations while pursuing agreements that strengthen American economic independence.
Trade remains one of the central issues on the agenda. Both sides are expected to discuss extending a year-long trade truce reached in South Korea last October, although disagreements over US tariffs continue to strain relations. Officials indicated that while both governments are seeking stability, it remains uncertain whether a formal extension will be finalised during the visit.
Another major focus will be Iran. Senior US officials said Trump is expected to pressure Beijing over its economic and strategic ties with Tehran, particularly Chinese purchases of Iranian oil and exports of dual-use goods that Washington believes could have military applications. US sanctions connected to the Iran conflict may also feature in the talks.
Beyond trade and Iran, discussions are likely to include broader strategic issues such as Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and access to critical minerals — all areas where competition between the world’s two largest economies has intensified in recent years.
The visit’s schedule includes a formal welcome ceremony and bilateral meeting on Thursday morning, followed by a tour of the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet hosted by Xi in the evening. On Friday, the two leaders are expected to hold a tea meeting and working lunch before Trump departs for Washington.
White House officials also said Xi and his wife are expected to make a return visit to Washington later in 2026.
Both countries are additionally exploring the creation of a proposed “Board of Trade” aimed at identifying areas for economic cooperation, including agriculture and aircraft purchases, even as strategic rivalry between the two nations continues to deepen.
