Trump and Xi hold extensive talks in Beijing on trade, Iran, technology and regional security issues
US President Donald Trump on Thursday held a high-stakes bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing amid ongoing tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan and regional security issues. Trump was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People as both leaders sought to project stability in US-China ties despite deep strategic differences.
Welcoming Trump during the meeting, Xi Jinping said, “Welcome back to China after 9 years. The whole world is watching our meeting. Currently, a transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent. The world has come to a new crossroads. Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides trap and create a new paradigm of major country relations?…”
Trump, while addressing Xi, highlighted the long-standing engagement between the two leaders and expressed optimism about future ties between the two countries.
“You and I have known each other now for a long time. In fact, the longest relationship of our two countries that any President and President has had. And that’s, to me, an honour. We’ve had a fantastic relationship. We’ve gotten along. When there were difficulties, we worked it out. I would call you, and you would call me. Whenever we had a problem, we worked it out very quickly and we’re going to have a fantastic future together…” Trump said.
The US President further added, “… The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before… We’re going to have a fantastic future together. I have such respect for China, the job you’ve done. You’re a great leader. I say it to everybody. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway.”
Trump also praised the business delegation accompanying him to Beijing and stressed the importance of trade ties between the two nations.
“On behalf of all of the great delegations that we have, we have the greatest businessmen, the biggest and, I guess, the best in the world… I didn’t want the second or the third in the company. I wanted only the top. They’re here today to pay respects to you and to China. They look forward to trade and doing business, and it’s going to be totally reciprocal on our behalf. I really look very much forward to our discussion. It’s a big discussion. Those who say this is maybe the biggest summit ever. They can never remember anything like it…” he said.
#WATCH | Beijing | US President Donald Trump says, “… The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before… We’re going to have a fantastic future together. I have such respect for China, the job you’ve done. You’re a great leader. I say it to… pic.twitter.com/878AyQYUH0
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026
Xi Jinping also expressed hope that the summit would pave the way for a new phase in bilateral relations.
“Mr. President, I look forward to our discussions on major issues important to our two countries and the world, and working together with you to set the course for and steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations so as to make 2026 a historic landmark year that opens up a new chapter in China-U.S. relations…” Xi said.
Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday night for a three-day visit focused on multiple geopolitical and economic flashpoints, including the Iran conflict, trade disputes, technology restrictions and Taiwan.
The Chinese President personally received Trump at the Great Hall of the People, introduced him to senior Chinese officials and later shook hands with members of the US delegation before both sides inspected a guard of honour.
The visit comes at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty and growing geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, which have contributed to volatility in global energy markets and supply chains. Both leaders are expected to hold several rounds of discussions through Thursday and Friday on key strategic and economic issues.
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