Trump-Xi Summit: Trump to ask Xi to 'open up' China
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump arrived in China on May 13, 2026, for a summit with Xi Jinping, focusing on issues including the Iran war, trade, and Taiwan, accompanied by prominent US business leaders such as Elon Musk and Tim Cook.
- Trump plans to urge Xi to "open up" China to US business, aiming to improve economic ties and address trade disputes that have persisted since his first visit in 2017.
- Taiwan is a critical topic, with Trump indicating discussions on US arms sales to Taiwan, which breaks from the traditional US policy of "strategic ambiguity" and has drawn strong opposition from China.
- Preparatory talks between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng set the stage for the summit, emphasizing groundwork over breakthroughs amid ongoing tariff disputes and global economic pressures.
- The summit carries high stakes amid the Iran conflict and energy crisis, with both leaders seeking to maintain strongman images while potentially exploring China's role as a mediator in Middle East peace efforts.