Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump started a crucial series of meetings in Beijing on Thursday in a U.S.-China summit where stability in the relationship is the main goal of the two days of discussions.
The White House and Chinese state media said the leaders concluded their meeting Thursday morning after about two hours. Trump is expected to leave just after midday Friday after a final private meeting with Xi. But few breakthroughs are expected on divisive issues ranging from the Iran war, trade, technology and Taiwan.
Trump hopes to focus the summit talks on trade and deals for China to buy more agricultural products and passenger planes, setting up a board to address their differences and avoid a repeat of the trade war ignited last year after Trump's tariff hikes.
In their closed-door meeting, Xi told Trump that if Taiwan is handled well, U.S.-China relations “will enjoy overall stability.” If not, the two countries risk “clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy,” Xi said, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency.
Trump in December authorized an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing claims as its own territory. The U.S. has not yet moved forward with delivery.
Xi said China's door of opening to U.S. business will only open wider, he told American corporate leaders who accompanied Trump. The U.S. president said the business leaders all respect and value China and he encourages them to expand cooperation with China, Xinhua reported.
The war with Iran is also likely to be a key topic. Ahead of the meetings, Trump hoped China would use its considerable leverage to prod Iran to agree to U.S. terms to end the two-month old war or reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz, but he has tempered those calls ahead of the summit.
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Trump attends Chinese state banquet in his honor
The affair brought Trump back to the Great Hall of the People, where he opened his first full day in Beijing in closed-door talks with Xi.
Inside the hall, round tables were draped with white tablecloths.
Key members of Trump’s Cabinet including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent milled about before Trump arrived.
Chinese premier stresses cooperation in talk with US executives
Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed the need for friendship and cooperation in U.S.-China ties as he spoke with U.S. business leaders accompanying President Donald Trump in Beijing.
Li met executives including Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on the sidelines of Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“China and the United States have been able to maintain frank and smooth dialogue and communication and actively safeguard a stable and healthy bilateral relationship” despite international turbulence, Li said.
Collaboration is needed for “mutual success and shared prosperity,” Li added.
China’s language shows ‘core’ focus on Taiwan
China has ramped up its language around Taiwan by noting repeatedly in recent weeks that Taiwan is the “core” of its interests and a key to ensuring a stable relationship with the U.S.
Trump has demanded Taiwan increase defense spending and in December the White House announced an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, the largest ever to the island democracy.
Ma Chun-wei, an expert in China-Taiwan relations at Taiwan’s Tamkang University, said the elevated defense relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan has caused China to increase its rhetoric over Taiwan.
“For Xi Jinping, he must show that the Taiwan issue is in China’s hands. He must demonstrate this image, or else he would be criticized,” Ma said.
Trump and Xi discussed Iran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz
The leaders were in agreement that the Strait of Hormuz needs to be opened to support global energy needs, according to a readout of their Thursday meeting by a White House official.
Xi also opposed any implementation of tolls on vessels crossing the strait, which effectively has closed since the start of the U.S. and Israel war against Iran.
Xi expressed interest in China purchasing more U.S. oil to reduce future Chinese dependence on Gulf oil, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The leaders also discussed further stemming the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the U.S. and increasing Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products.
China’s commerce ministry open to expanded US cooperation
China is willing to work with the U.S. to continuously expand its cooperation list, China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian said Thursday.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent engaged in “candid, in-depth and constructive” exchanges in South Korea on Wednesday, He said.
For the next step, China is willing to work with the U.S. to expand their cooperation based on the principles of equality, respect and mutual benefit, He said.
They also would shorten the problem list while promoting healthy economic and trade ties between the sides, He said.
Chinese social media finds humor in Trump comment about executives
A comment by Donald Trump about the U.S. business executives chosen to accompany him to China has become a source of humor on Chinese social media.
“I didn’t want the second or the third in the company. I wanted only the top, and they’re here today to pay respects to you and to China,” Trump told Xi when the leaders met Thursday.
Trump’s comments was ranked second in trending topics on Weibo, a social media platform curated by censors.
The posts included jokes about how the corporate executives were grateful to be there and pictures of them flashing a thumbs-up sign while leaving the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.
Analyst says Xi is setting boundaries
George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group consultancy, said Xi wants to set clear boundaries on what the U.S. can and cannot do with China.
Politically it’s all about Taiwan, Chen said, noting Xi’s opposition to independence for the island democracy.
“He makes the ‘red line’ crystal clear,” he said.
Chen said Xi has sought to reassure U.S. businesspeople that China is a place they can make money, which could be seen as Xi’s response to Trump’s demand for China to provide a more favorable environment for U.S. firms.
Chen said Xi suggested the relationship’s “strategic stability” can continue at least for the rest of Trump’s term, which can be perceived as progress.
Ukraine ties a Russian attack on Kyiv to the Beijing summit
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha tied an overnight attack on Kyiv to the Xi-Trump summit, saying the assault proved Russia was a threat to international security.
“At the very time when leaders of the most powerful countries are meeting in Beijing, and the world hopes for peace, predictability and cooperation, Putin launched hundreds of drones, ballistic and cruise missiles at the capital of Ukraine,” Sybiha said on Telegram.
He said there should be “no illusions” about ending the Russian war on Ukraine.
“Only pressure on Moscow can make him stop,” Sybiha said of Putin, adding that U.S. and Chinese leaders had sufficient leverage to compel Russia to end the conflict.
Taiwan thanks US for support after China warning
Taiwan said it is grateful for the long-term support of the United States after Xi warned Trump on Thursday about potential “clashes and even conflicts” over the self-ruled island China claims as its own.
“The government views all actions that contribute to regional stability and the management of potential risks from authoritarian expansion positively and continues to work with the United States in various aspects of our relationship,” said Michelle Lee, a spokesperson for Taiwan’s premier.
Taiwan has stayed in close contact with the U.S. on national security and diplomacy, Lee said.
“The U.S. has also repeatedly reiterated its firm and clear position of support for Taiwan,” Lee said.
Trump and Xi exchange views on the Middle East, state media reports
Trump and Xi have exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula, the official Xinhua News Agency reported without providing additional details of the discussion.
The wars in Iran and Ukraine and relations with North Korea have been sources of tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Trump and Xi agreed to support each other this year by hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen, near Hong Kong, and the G20 Summit in Florida, Xinhua reported.
Xi calls for stability in relationship with US
Xi said he and Trump agreed to establish a new orientation for U.S.-China relations that is “constructive, strategic and stable.”
Xi said the bilateral relationship should take this direction for the next three years and beyond, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency.
Xi said this new strategic orientation should have “limits to competition” and “differences are managed.”
Xi said both sides should use political, diplomatic and military communication channels to ensure the goals.
Brett Ratner confirms he is in China for ‘Rush Hour 4’
The director got to China by flying with Trump aboard Air Force One.
He told the White House press pool he is in Beijing to prep for filming the fourth installment of the movie series, whichTrump is said to be interested in.
Ratner directed first lady Melania Trump’s recent movie about her life in the weeks before her husband returned to office.
Xi says China-US economic ties are win-win, state media reports
Economic ties between China and the United States are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, Chinese President Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump during their talks, according to the Chinese official news agency Xinhua.
“Yesterday, our economic and trade teams produced generally balanced and positive outcomes. This is good news for the people of the two countries and the world,” Xi said.
The Chinese president said facts have shown time and again there are no winners in trade wars, calling on both sides to jointly sustain the good momentum they have worked hard to build, Xinhua reported.
“Where disagreements and frictions exist, equal-footed consultation is the only right choice,” he said.
Trump concludes tour of Temple of Heaven
Trump was expected to return to his hotel before he returns to the Great Hall of the People to attend a state banquet in his honor.
Asian shares mixed and Chinese stocks trade lower
Asian shares were mixed Thursday as investors closely monitored takeaways from U.S. President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The Shanghai Composite index lost 1% to 4,199.19. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.3% to 26,478.99. Markets in Japan and South Korea were higher, with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 up 0.2% and Seoul’s Kospi gaining 1%.
Investors are watching for progress on the Iran war and U.S.-China trade relations from the Xi-Trump summit, as well as possible trade deals on areas such as soybeans, airplanes and chips.
Trump declines to say if he and Xi discussed Taiwan
Trump said, “great,” when reporters asked how the talks with Xi went. But that’s about all he said.
Follow-up questions about whether they discussed Taiwan were asked.
Trump didn’t answer as he posed alongside Xi for photos after they arrived at the Temple of Heaven.
XI says door to American business opening wider
Xi said China's door of opening to American business will only open wider and wider he told American CEOs on Thursday morning during his meeting with Trump, China's official Xinhua News Agency reported.
Xi said American companies are deeply participating in China’s reform and opening, with both sides benefiting from this. He said China welcomes the U.S. to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China and believes American businesses will have even broader prospects in China, according to Xinhua.
Trump said the business leaders he brought along all respect and value China and he encourages them to expand cooperation with China, the report said.
Trump introduced the business leaders to Xi one by one. The business people said they highly value China’s market, hope to deepen their operations in China and strengthen cooperation with China, the report added.
Traveling to China as part of the U.S. delegation are some 17 CEOs, including Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook and Boeing’s Kelly Ortberg, the White House says.
— This item has been corrected to indicate the meeting took place Thursday.
Trump arrives at Temple of Heaven
The 15th century temple was Trump’s next stop after meeting with Xi at the Great Hall of the People.
A tour was planned.
Trump and Xi wrap up meeting after about two hours
The White House and Chinese state media said the leaders concluded their meeting after about two hours of talks.
The leaders discussed trade, Taiwan and other differences in the U.S.-China relationship
Xi warns Trump differences over Taiwan could bring US and China to clashes or conflict, state media reports
In a closed-door meeting Xi told Trump that if Taiwan is handled well, U.S.-China relations “will enjoy overall stability,” according to a readout of their bilateral talks published by the official Xinhua News Agency.
If not, however, the two countries risk “clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy,” Xi was reported to have said.
Xi says the US and China should be ‘partners rather than rivals’
The U.S. and China should be “partners rather than rivals,” Xi told Trump ahead of their bilateral talks.
“I always believed that the common interests between China and the U.S. outweigh their differences,” Xi said. “Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both.”
Xi added that he wanted 2026 to be a “landmark year” in the countries’
Xi congratulates US for coming 250th anniversary of independence
The Chinese leader took a moment to note the coming anniversary — something that is a big deal for Trump.
The massive monthslong celebration is to include a “Great American State Fair” in Washington and a UFC fight night on the South Lawn of the White House.
“This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. I extend my congratulations to you and to the American people,” Xi said. He added, “I firmly believe the common interests between China and the United States are bigger than our differences.”
Xi offers more cautionary tone at start of talks
The leaders offered warm words about each other and hope for the future of U.S-China relations as they opened their bilateral talks.
But Xi sounded more cautionary about what lies ahead for the world’s biggest economic powers.
“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” Xi said. “The two countries should be partners rather than rivals, achieve success together and pursue common prosperity, and chart a correct path for major-country relations in the new era.”
Why Xi is asking Trump for US and China to avoid the ‘Thucydides Trap’
In remarks welcoming Trump, Xi name-checked an ancient Greek historian to express his hopes that the U.S. and China can avoid conflict, saying that history, the world and its people were asking “whether the two countries can transcend the “Thucydides Trap” and forge a new model for relations between major powers.
"He was using a term that's popular in foreign policy studies, referring to the idea that when a rising power threatens to displace an established power, the result is often war.
It comes from Thucydides’ account of the destructive Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, in which he remarked that “It was the rise of Athens, and the fear that rise engendered in Sparta, that made war inevitable.”
Xi says the world is at a crossroads, marked by turbulence and uncertainty
The Chinese leader in his opening remarks at the summit underscored the importance of the moment for the two world powers and said the question before China and the United States is “whether the two countries can work together to meet challenges and bring greater stability to the world.”
“Can we, in the interest of the well-being of our two peoples and the future of humanity, build a brighter future together for our bilateral relations?” Xi said.
Trump signals he wants to do business with Xi
In his opening comments before reporters to start the meeting, Trump only made glancing allusion to past difficulties in his yearslong relationship with Xi.
Those include two trade wars, tensions over U.S. support for Taiwan — and Trump's impatience with Beijing over the flow precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl.
He also made no mention of their differences over the Iran war.
“You’re a great leader, sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true,” Trump said.
A pomp-filled ceremony marks the start of the summit
Trump and Xi stood side by side for the playing of their countries’ national anthems on Thursday as their summit got underway.
The leaders than walked the red carpet, accompanied by a goose stepping Chinese service member, to inspect the military honor guard.
Trump and Xi also paused for a moment in front of dozens of flower-waiving children gathered for the ceremony.
Democratic lawmaker urges Trump not to be ‘driven by improvisation, personal flattery’ in talks
Trump has talked up his personal rapport with Xi despite deep differences on a slew of issues.
Sen. Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement that Trump would be misguided to put too much stock in his personal dynamic with the Chinese leader.
“We cannot afford to trade lasting American strength for a short-term political win or to mistake a photo op for real strategic progress,” Warner said. “Any agreement reached with Beijing during this summit must deliver tangible results for American workers, our security, and our long-term competitiveness.”
Rubio says Trump will make the case to China to take a ‘more active role’ on Iran
The secretary of state, who is with Trump in Beijing, said administration officials will underscore that “economies are melting down because of this crisis” and that will result in consumers “buying less Chinese product.”
“So it’s in their interest to resolve this,” Rubio said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity. “We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they’re doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf.”
The message contrasts with comments by Trump, who downplayed differences with Xi over Iran before departing from Washington.
“We have a lot of things to discuss,” Trump told reporters. “I wouldn’t say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control.”
Trump kicks off the busiest part of his China trip
The president arrived in Beijing late on Wednesday. On Thursday, the summit begins in earnest.
China's Xi will officially welcome Trump during a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, followed by bilateral talks.
Then there’s some cultural programming — a visit to the Temple of Heaven — before a state banquet capping the day.
This trip is expected to be long on pageantry and symbolism but neither side has yet offered concrete details on what Trump will come away with.
Xi and Trump will be meeting at the Great Hall of the People
The Great Hall of the People was built in 1959 for the tenth anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It’s a massive structure, some 171,800 square meters or 42.5 acres, on the western side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
This is where China hosts most of its foreign dignitaries, as well as key events like the annual meeting of its ceremonial legislature. The hall covers an area bigger than the Forbidden Palace.
Construction of the building was completed in a quick 10 months, and mostly with manpower. China was not heavily industrialized and the chief engineer for the project at the time, Yang Sixin, told state media that “the bricks that needed to go up were all transported by hand, carried in baskets with a pole. I’ve also carried the bricks up myself.”
While the structure’s size and towering structure is similar to buildings found in the Soviet style, its decorations inside were designed by referencing Chinese history, such as floral designs from the Tang dynasty.
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