Beijing: U.S. President Donald Trump departed for Beijing on Tuesday (Washington time) for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid hopes that the long-awaited meeting will help ease tensions in their deepening strategic rivalry and foster cooperation on complex issues, such as Iran. Trump is scheduled to land in Beijing on Wednesday evening (local time) for a three-day visit, marking his first trip to China since November 2017. This trip comes despite an impasse in U.S.-Iran talks aimed at ending the war and reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
According to Yonhap News Agency, on Thursday morning, Trump and Xi are set to hold a meeting, which would be the first of four possible bilateral talks this year, including meetings on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, in November and the Group of 20 gathering in Florida in December. Before departing, Trump told reporters that he will discuss "a lot of different things" with Xi, emphasizing that trade would be a primary focus.
During their talks, Trump and Xi are expected to discuss trade, Taiwan's security, the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, and artificial intelligence (AI), among other issues, as noted by senior U.S. officials. Observers anticipate that North Korea could also be a topic of discussion, given Trump's interest in reengaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un amid growing concerns over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
On trade, the discussion may include the creation of a "board of trade," a mechanism to manage trade across non-sensitive goods between the world's two largest economies. This comes as both nations have tightened export controls on strategic goods, such as semiconductors and critical minerals. The board could potentially cover "double-digit billions" of dollars in bilateral trade, according to a senior U.S. official. Additionally, Trump and Xi are expected to explore a "board of investment" to address discrete investment issues.
Taiwan remains a critical issue on the agenda. Observers expect Xi to reiterate China's stance on Taiwan, while speculation persists over potential adjustments in U.S. policy language regarding Taiwan independence. However, a senior U.S. official clarified that there has been no change in U.S. policy on Taiwan.
Iran is anticipated to be a prominent topic at the summit, with the Trump administration urging China not to provide military and financial support to Iran and to pressure it towards a peace deal with the U.S. amid a fragile ceasefire. Discussions may also cover China's potential transfer of dual-use goods and weapons exports to Iran and Russia.
Security on the Korean Peninsula could be discussed as Trump might seek Xi's assistance in resuming diplomacy with North Korea. Patricia M. Kim, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, noted recent upticks in China-North Korea economic and diplomatic activity, suggesting North Korea could resurface in leader-level discussions.
Another significant issue is whether China will commit to renewed purchases of American agricultural products, like soybeans, and Boeing aircraft. Furthermore, the leaders could address AI-related security risks, as the international community aims to promote the responsible use of emerging technologies.
On Thursday evening, Trump and Xi are scheduled to attend a state banquet. The following day, Trump will have tea and a working lunch with Xi before departing.