Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to hold high-level talks this week in Beijing focused on Iran, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons and the future of a critical rare earth minerals agreement between both countries.
The meeting will mark the first face-to-face engagement between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies in more than six months as Washington and Beijing attempt to stabilize relations strained by trade disputes, geopolitical tensions and the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day visit, his first trip to China since 2017. Talks between both leaders are expected to take place on Thursday and Friday.
U.S. officials said both countries are expected to discuss extending a temporary trade truce that currently allows rare earth minerals to continue flowing from China to the United States.
The agreement, reached last autumn, remains critical for American technology, manufacturing and defense industries that rely heavily on Chinese rare earth supplies.
Officials also indicated that China could announce fresh purchases involving Boeing aircraft, American agricultural products and U.S. energy supplies as part of broader efforts to ease trade tensions between both countries.
The two governments are further expected to unveil plans for new trade and investment forums aimed at improving commercial cooperation, although implementation details may require additional negotiations.
Beyond trade, the talks are expected to focus heavily on geopolitical flashpoints.
Washington is reportedly pressuring Beijing to use its influence with Iran to help reduce tensions and support diplomatic efforts following months of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. China remains one of Iran’s major oil buyers and maintains close economic ties with Tehran.
The Trump administration is also expected to raise concerns over China’s relationship with Russia, including allegations involving dual-use goods and strategic exports linked to ongoing global conflicts.
Taiwan is likely to remain one of the most sensitive subjects during the summit. China continues to claim the democratically governed island as part of its territory, while the United States remains Taiwan’s leading international supporter and arms supplier.
Reuters reported that U.S. officials expect China to push aggressively on the Taiwan issue during the summit, though Washington insists its policy toward the island remains unchanged.
Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature prominently in discussions as Washington grows increasingly concerned about China’s rapid advancement in AI technologies.
U.S. officials said both sides may explore establishing communication channels to avoid future conflicts tied to AI systems and emerging technologies.
Nuclear arms discussions may prove more difficult as China reportedly remains reluctant to engage in formal arms control negotiations with the United States.
Financial markets are closely monitoring the summit as investors assess the possibility of reduced trade tensions between the United States and China alongside broader geopolitical risks tied to Iran, Taiwan and global technology competition.
