- Trump, who described Xi as a strong leader, said the meeting could become one of the most significant summits in recent history
- He stressed that cooperation benefits both nations, while confrontation would only create losses on both sides
- Trump has repeatedly said he wants China to provide greater access for American businesses and industries
Xi Jinping on Wednesday told Donald Trump that ongoing trade negotiations between both countries were yielding encouraging results, while also warning that tensions over Taiwan could seriously threaten relations between Beijing and Washington.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the remarks were made at the start of a two-day summit in Beijing, marking Trump’s first visit to China since 2017.
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According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi said stable ties between the world’s two largest economies were important for global peace and economic stability.
He stressed that cooperation benefits both nations, while confrontation would only create losses on both sides.
Trump, who described Xi as a strong leader, said the meeting could become one of the most significant summits in recent history.
The talks began after an elaborate welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, attended by senior officials and business executives from both countries.
Behind closed doors, Xi reportedly informed Trump that trade negotiators from China and the United States had achieved what he described as a “balanced and positive outcome” during discussions held on Wednesday.
Officials familiar with the negotiations said the talks were aimed at preserving the trade truce agreed upon by both leaders in October and creating new frameworks for future trade and investment cooperation.
During the meeting, Xi also raised concerns over Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory despite the island’s self-governed democratic system and military support from the United States.
According to the Chinese account of the discussions, Xi warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger conflict and push bilateral relations into a dangerous situation.
A number of leading American business executives joined Trump during the visit, including Elon Musk, Jensen Huang and Tim Cook.
Trump has repeatedly said he wants China to provide greater access for American businesses and industries.
Musk briefly spoke to reporters after the opening session, describing the discussions as positive.
The summit is expected to include several engagements between both leaders, including a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a state banquet and additional meetings over tea and lunch.
Analysts say the political balance between both countries has shifted significantly since Trump’s previous visit to Beijing in 2017.
Experts noted that while China previously made major economic concessions and increased purchases of American goods, the current situation reflects stronger Chinese leverage as the United States faces domestic political and economic challenges.
Trump’s administration has come under pressure from rising inflation linked to the Iran conflict, while legal rulings have also limited his ability to impose tariffs unilaterally on Chinese imports.
Despite economic difficulties within China, observers believe Xi currently faces less political pressure at home compared to Trump.
Nevertheless, both countries are reportedly eager to maintain the trade truce reached last year, which saw the suspension of heavy tariffs by Washington and China’s decision not to restrict exports of rare earth materials crucial to global manufacturing.
Trade discussions are expected to cover issues such as aircraft sales, agriculture, energy exports, advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence cooperation.
The United States is seeking increased Chinese purchases of American products, including Boeing aircraft and farm goods, while China wants Washington to ease restrictions on chip-making equipment and advanced semiconductor technology exports.
Beyond trade, the Iran conflict is also expected to feature prominently in discussions.
Trump is reportedly seeking China’s assistance in persuading Iran to reach an agreement with Washington aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
However, analysts believe Beijing may be reluctant to exert heavy pressure on Tehran because of Iran’s strategic importance to China.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that resolving the crisis would also benefit China, particularly as disruptions in the Gulf region could affect Chinese trade and economic growth.
Taiwan remains another major sticking point in relations between both powers, especially regarding U.S. arms sales to the island.
China recently reiterated its opposition to American military support for Taiwan, including a proposed $14 billion arms package still awaiting Trump’s approval.
Xi is also expected to make a reciprocal visit to the United States later this year, which would mark his first trip to America since Trump returned to office in 2025.
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