Trump China Visit Highlights: Trump boards Air Force One, leaves Beijing after high-stakes Xi summit

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US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered China’s help in reopening the Strait of Hormuz and assured him that Beijing would not provide military equipment to Iran amid the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel.

Speaking after his summit with Xi in Beijing, Trump said the Chinese leader wanted the strategically crucial waterway to remain open and had expressed willingness to assist in easing tensions. Trump also said Xi had “strongly” conveyed that China would not send military aid to Iran.

Despite the high-profile summit in Beijing, the current round of talks is only the beginning of a broader diplomatic calendar between the two leaders. Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to meet at two international summits later this year, followed by a possible state visit by Xi to Washington in September.

Trump also signalled progress on efforts to persuade China to open up more sectors of its economy to American businesses. Al Jazeera reported that the presence of several major US companies on the Beijing trip reflected Washington’s broader push for expanded market access.

According to Al Jazeera, Trump is expected to view the visit as a success, particularly on trade. The US President claimed Boeing could secure a deal to sell 200 aircraft to China, while Washington also expects a sharp rise in agricultural exports to the Chinese market over the next three years.

Reports during Donald Trump’s Beijing visit suggested Washington and Beijing were exploring the creation of a “Board of Trade” to oversee commercial relations between the two countries. However, no formal announcement on such a mechanism has been made so far.

Donald Trump received a grand farewell at the airport as he departed China after his state visit. Schoolchildren, dressed in colors matching Air Force One, waved American and Chinese flags and chanted farewell slogans. Wang Yi was present to see him off. Trump waved and raised his fist before boarding the aircraft for his return journey.

-AP

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump joked while taking a stroll with Xi, saying, “I could get used to this place,” while walking with Chinese President Xi Jinping through Beijing’s Zhongnanhai garden during their high-stakes summit.

US President Donald Trump boarded Air Force One on Friday, concluding his visit to China after high-level summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Trump was given an elaborate farewell ceremony before departure, with a red carpet lined by people waving American and Chinese flags as a military band performed at the airport.

The visit included closed-door meetings at the highly restricted Zhongnanhai compound and discussions on trade, artificial intelligence and broader US-China relations.

China’s Foreign Ministry on Friday described US President Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing as a “landmark” moment in ties between the two countries, saying the summit had produced “a series of new common understandings”.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump had agreed on a new framework for building “a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability” that would shape bilateral ties “over the next three years and beyond”.

The ministry said the interactions between the two leaders had “enhanced mutual understanding, deepened mutual trust, and advanced practical cooperation”.

It further claimed the Beijing summit had “injected much-needed stability and certainty into the world” amid growing global tensions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday again drew parallels between Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement and his own vision of the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” during talks at Beijing’s Zhongnanhai compound.

Addressing Trump during the meeting, Xi said stronger cooperation between the two countries could help both sides achieve their national ambitions.

“Through strengthened cooperation, both China and the United States can promote their respective development and revitalization,” Xi said.

US President Donald Trump said multiple agreements were reached during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, according to China Central Television. Trump also said US-China ties would improve further, expressing confidence that bilateral relations would continue getting better.

-Reuters

During their private lunch at Zhongnanhai, US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping were served an elaborate menu including seafood soup, stir-fried lobster balls, pan-seared beef fillet with morel mushrooms, kung pao chicken, scallops, seasonal vegetables, dumplings and stewed beef buns. Dessert included brownies, fruit and ice cream, along with coffee and tea. Trump was expected to make no further public appearances before departing Beijing for Washington.

• China said the conflict in Iran should never have occurred and has caused serious suffering in Iran and across the region.
• Beijing warned the fallout is disrupting global economic growth, supply chains, trade, and energy security.
• China welcomed the recent US-Iran ceasefire and said renewed dialogue must continue without interruption.
• The foreign ministry said negotiations remain the only viable path, while military force leads nowhere.
• Beijing called for Gulf shipping lanes to reopen quickly to stabilise global trade and energy flows.
• It urged an early, comprehensive ceasefire to restore peace across the Middle East and Gulf region.
• China said it has joined Pakistan in proposing a five-point peace initiative.
• Beijing added it will continue advancing Xi Jinping’s proposals for Middle East peace and support long-term regional stability.

-Al Jazeera

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen walking through Beijing’s Zhongnanhai Garden during their ongoing summit in the Chinese capital.

The visuals from the highly restricted Zhongnanhai compound offered a rare glimpse into the informal side of high-level US-China diplomacy amid discussions on trade, technology and regional security.

Before their private lunch, Xi Jinping escorted Donald Trump through the gardens of Zhongnanhai, highlighting centuries-old trees, including some up to 400 years old, the Associated Press reported. Xi said Chinese leaders, including Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai lived there, and described the visit as a return of the hospitality Trump showed at Mar-a-Lago in 2017.

While Donald Trump had lunch inside Xi Jinping’s residence, aides and reporters outside were served McDonald's, Trump’s longtime favourite. White House and U.S. Embassy staff ate in the parking lot, while press members received bags in waiting vans. Trump’s fondness for McDonald’s has become part of his public image, from campaign stops to Oval Office photo ops, AP reported.

During three days in Beijing, Donald Trump took an unusually restrained approach, declining to answer reporters’ questions during public appearances with Xi Jinping, the Associated Press reported. In a notable departure from his usual style, Trump also posted less frequently on social media, appearing to follow Xi's preference for avoiding press interactions, it added.

Donald Trump said “fantastic trade deals” were reached during his “incredible” visit with Xi Jinping in Beijing, though the White House has yet to release details. Trump cited discussions on soybeans, aeroplanes and oil after a two-hour meeting, saying the agreements would benefit both the US and China.

-AP

Donald Trump said he and Xi Jinping discussed the Iran conflict, with both leaders agreeing Tehran must not obtain nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open. Trump said both sides want the war to end quickly, calling the situation “crazy,” before the two leaders moved from talks over tea into a private lunch meeting.

The United States and China are expected to hold discussions on artificial intelligence safeguards, including measures aimed at preventing advanced AI models from falling into the hands of non-state actors, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

Speaking to CNBC from Beijing, Bessent said the two sides would discuss possible “guardrails” around AI development and deployment, though he did not provide details on the timing or format of the talks.

The comments come as Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump are holding summit meetings in the Chinese capital amid broader discussions on trade, security and technology.

Artificial intelligence was expected to feature prominently in the talks between the two leaders, according to US officials familiar with the summit agenda.

US President Donald Trump on Friday met Chinese President Xi Jinping inside Zhongnanhai, the highly restricted government compound in Beijing that serves as the headquarters of China’s ruling Communist Party.

The walled complex, where top Chinese leaders have lived and worked since the 1950s, is rarely opened to foreign dignitaries, making the meeting an unusual diplomatic gesture by Beijing.

Trump did not visit Zhongnanhai during his 2017 trip to China, underscoring the significance of this year’s invitation amid renewed engagement between Washington and Beijing.

Shen Dingli, an international relations scholar based in Shanghai, said ahead of the meeting that hosting Trump at Zhongnanhai would reflect the personal dimension of Xi’s relationship with the US President.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said meetings between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping improved mutual understanding, deepened trust and boosted cooperation. The spokesperson said both leaders agreed to better manage each other’s concerns and strengthen coordination on regional and international issues. China added they endorsed a new framework of "constructive, strategic stability" aimed at managing differences while preserving stability and peace.

-AP

US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are meeting in the gardens of Zhongnanhai, where they were photographed shaking hands beside a waterway. Xi was seen speaking with Trump as he admired the landscaped grounds, featuring winding paths, colourful roses, manicured lawns and trimmed trees.

-AP

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing produced a series of new understandings. The ministry said both leaders agreed to address each other’s concerns appropriately while enhancing communication and coordination on regional and global issues. It added the summit strengthened mutual understanding and helped deepen trust between the two countries.

-Reuters

Donald Trump travelled to Zhongnanhai for further talks with Xi Jinping. The two leaders were scheduled for an official photo, a working tea session and a private lunch before Trump departs Beijing for Washington, DC later on Friday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump asked Xi Jinping to consider releasing Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old former publisher of Apple Daily. Rubio said Washington wants Lai freed and is open to any arrangement that secures his release. Lai is serving a 20-year sentence in Hong Kong, the Associated Press reported.

Donald Trump said he discussed market access for Visa Inc. and Mastercard during talks with Xi Jinping, questioning why U.S. card firms face limited acceptance in China. Trump said the issue may be resolved. While foreign cards can connect to Alipay and WeChat Pay, direct card use remains largely restricted to international hotels, luxury malls and upscale restaurants.

US President Donald Trump said he unexpectedly invited several American business leaders to join his meeting with Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. Trump said the executives were nearby and entered on short notice, with many meeting Xi for the first time. He said Xi approved, calling the unscheduled introduction "a good idea".

Elon Musk’s six-year-old son drew attention in Great Hall of the People wearing traditional Chinese clothing and a tiger-head bag by YASTEE. The handcrafted accessory, made by embroiderers in southern China, quickly went viral online and sold out within hours.

-AP

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are set to meet at Zhongnanhai, the heavily secured leadership compound beside Forbidden City in Beijing. Usually closed to most visiting dignitaries, Zhongnanhai is reserved for select guests. Xi previously hosted Vladimir Putin there in 2024 and 2025, and Barack Obama during a private visit in 2014.

Donald Trump said Iran has repeatedly changed its stance on allowing the US to recover enriched uranium buried at nuclear sites damaged by American strikes. Trump said Tehran initially agreed to US teams extracting the material but later withdrew. He maintained Iran may still hand it over, despite Tehran’s denials, adding Iranian officials said only the US and China have the technology to retrieve it from deep underground.

-AP

Donald Trump described Xi Jinping as "warm" but highly business-focused after their meeting, saying the Chinese leader avoids small talk and stays on substance. In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump said Xi is a "very smart person" and added the two share a good relationship. "He's all about China," Trump said.

-AP

Chinese stocks were mostly unchanged Friday, with the CSI 300 Index, Shanghai Composite Index, and Hang Seng Index opening flat as investors awaited further signals from talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Xi said trade negotiations had produced "balanced and positive outcomes," without details. Investors expect little immediate breakthrough, though analysts said any modest progress could support sentiment, according to Reuters.

The high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday has sparked criticism after observers noted the complete absence of women at the bilateral meeting table.

The summit at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People featured elaborate ceremony and symbolism, including a display of Chinese soldiers, children waving American and Chinese flags, and the presence of senior officials and top US business executives. However, images from the meeting quickly drew attention online for another reason: the all-male delegations seated at the negotiating table.

Among the most widely shared reactions was a post by Harvard University economics professor Gita Gopinath, who described the scene as “a painting of the end of meritocracy”. In a social media post that garnered more than 22,000 likes overnight, Gopinath wrote: “A meeting of the two largest economies and not one woman at the table.”
Read more here https://indiatoday.tech/world/story/trump-xi-beijing-meeting-criticised-over-no-women-at-bilateral-table-2912007-2026-05-15?utm_source=global-search&utm_medium=global-search&utm_campaign=global-search

Ahead of their trip to China, White House officials were warned about serious cybersecurity threats and advised to assume their communications could be monitored, sources told CNN.

Members of the US delegation, including the Secret Service, were issued burner phones and new devices with temporary numbers, though officials were cautioned that even those could be vulnerable to compromise while in the country.

Most officials either left their personal devices at home or kept them switched off and secured in protected bags aboard government aircraft. Several also created fresh profiles on encrypted messaging apps without personal information or chat histories to communicate during the visit.

One US official said the delegation was specifically briefed to presume that any communication conducted in China could be intercepted.

US President Donald Trump hinted that military action against Iran could resume, declaring the campaign was “to be continued!” despite an ongoing fragile ceasefire.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump praised his administration’s achievements while lashing out at former President Joe Biden and dismissing claims of American decline.

“President Xi was not referring to the incredible rise that the United States has displayed to the world during the 16 spectacular months of the Trump Administration,” Trump wrote, citing soaring stock markets, strong 401(k)s, ties with Venezuela, and what he called the “military decimation of Iran (to be continued!).”

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Friday to conclude Trump’s two-day state visit to China, marked by ceremonial events, major business agreements and rising tensions over Taiwan. During the visit, Xi warned that any mishandling of the Taiwan issue could push US-China ties to “a very dangerous place.”

Trump’s trip, the first by a US president to China since his 2017 visit during his first term, comes as Washington and Beijing navigate intensifying strategic and economic rivalry. Trump is seeking concrete outcomes from the visit that could help boost his approval ratings ahead of key midterm elections.

The two leaders are expected to share tea and lunch before Trump departs for the United States.

In his first visit to China in nine years, US President Donald Trump met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping as part of a two-day summit in Beijing meant to stabilise bilateral relations and calm economic tensions that had reached a new high during the second Trump administration. In his opening remarks, Xi had one message for Trump. The US must "overcome the Thucydides Trap".

Read more in our article https://indiatoday.tech/world/story/trump-xi-meeting-beijing-summit-thucydides-trap-meaning-us-china-bilateral-talks-2911854-2026-05-14?utm_source=global-search&utm_medium=global-search&utm_campaign=global-search

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered to help broker a deal with Iran and support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following high-stakes talks in Beijing.

“President Xi would like to see a deal made,” Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity in an interview set to air Thursday night.

“He said, ‘If I can be of any help at all, I would like to help,’” Trump said, adding that Xi also wanted the Strait of Hormuz to remain open.

Trump further said Xi assured him that China would not provide military equipment to Iran, an issue that featured prominently in discussions as the Trump administration presses Beijing over its ties with Tehran.

US President Donald Trump said China has agreed to order 200 Boeing jets, marking the country’s first purchase of US-made commercial aircraft in nearly a decade.

Trump made the remarks in excerpts from an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity broadcast on Thursday.

The International Monetary Fund on Thursday welcomed the initial positive dialogue between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying that reducing tensions and uncertainty between the world’s two largest economies would be beneficial for the global economy.

US President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping told him that China would not provide military equipment to Iran, according to excerpts from an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity released on Thursday.

Guests attending the state banquet for US President Donald Trump in Beijing are being served lobster in tomato soup and crispy beef ribs, according to a White House official.

The menu also includes Beijing roast duck, stewed seasonal vegetables, slow-cooked salmon in mustard sauce and pan-fried pork buns.

Dessert features trumpet shell-shaped pastry, tiramisu and fruits served with ice cream.

Talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to continue in Beijing on Friday.

According to the schedule, Trump will take a friendship photo with Xi at 11:30 a.m. local time, followed by tea with the Chinese leader. The two are then expected to have lunch at 12:15 p.m.

Trump is later expected to depart Beijing for the White House, though the timing of his departure has not yet been confirmed.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he believes China would prefer Taiwan to join it willingly and voluntarily rather than through force. Rubio said Beijing would ideally want a vote or referendum in Taiwan supporting reunification with China.

He added that what China calls “reunification” has remained a prominent part of President Xi Jinping’s agenda, but warned that forcing it through military action or coercion would be a “terrible mistake.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said American policy toward Taiwan remains “unchanged” following President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but warned it would be a “terrible mistake” for China to take Taiwan by force.

Speaking to NBC News during Trump’s China visit, Rubio said Beijing regularly raises the Taiwan issue during talks and sidestepped Xi’s warning that differences over the self-governing island could lead to a clash.

US President Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping that he wants to open up China and rebalance the trade relationship between the two countries.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the focus is on bringing trade ties into balance, adding that it could happen either through fewer US imports from China or by increasing American exports to China.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that the Strait of Hormuz needs to be opened to support global energy needs, according to a White House official’s readout of their Thursday meeting.

The readout also said Xi opposed any implementation of tolls on vessels crossing the strait, which has effectively remained closed since the start of the US and Israel war against Iran.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said President Donald Trump understands the sensitivities surrounding Taiwan, amid ongoing high-level discussions between the United States and China during Trump’s Beijing visit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the relationship between China and the United States is the world’s most important bilateral relationship and that both sides “must make it work and never mess it up.”

Speaking during a toast at a state banquet hosted for visiting US President Donald Trump, Xi also said the “rejuvenation of China” and Trump’s “Make America Great Again” vision can go hand in hand.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said AI companies such as Anthropic, OpenAI and Google are increasing in power very quickly, according to CNBC. He said the world could soon see a major leap forward with Mythos and Gemini technologies.

Bessent also said the United States will discuss AI guardrails with China, stressing that Washington does not want to stifle innovation but also needs the highest level of safety in artificial intelligence development.

US President Donald Trump said he has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the United States on September 24. Trump made the announcement while speaking at a state banquet in Beijing during his ongoing China visit.

US President Donald Trump said the United States and China have an opportunity to create a future of greater cooperation and prosperity. Speaking at a state banquet in Beijing, Trump stressed the importance of constructive engagement and stronger ties between the two countries.

US President Donald Trump said the relationship between the United States and China is “one of the most consequential in world history” while addressing a state banquet in Beijing. 

US President Donald Trump, speaking at a state banquet in Beijing, said he had “extremely positive and constructive discussions” during his meetings in China. Trump’s remarks came amid high-level engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at a state banquet for US President Donald Trump in Beijing, said both countries should jointly promote the “great ship” of China-US relations along the right path. Xi emphasised cooperation and stable engagement between Beijing and Washington amid ongoing bilateral talks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at a state banquet for US President Donald Trump in Beijing, said the rejuvenation of China and Trump’s “Make America Great Again” vision can go hand in hand. Xi stressed the need for cooperation and stable ties between the two countries amid ongoing high-level engagements between Washington and Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China remains committed to the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations, stressing that both he and US President Donald Trump have agreed to establish a “Constructive Strategic Stability Relationship” as the new positioning for bilateral ties.

Xi said the framework would provide strategic guidance for relations between the two countries over the next three years and beyond. He described the relationship as one based on cooperation, measured competition, manageable differences and enduring peace, adding that it must be translated into concrete actions by both sides rather than remain just a slogan.

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China soon, according to Russia-backed broadcaster RT. While no official date has been announced, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said all preparations for the visit have been completed.

Putin last visited China in September 2025, when he attended Beijing’s grand military parade and a summit. Russian media had earlier reported that the visit could take place as early as next week.

US President Donald Trump arrived at a state banquet in Beijing on Wednesday, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should reopen to safeguard global energy supplies. Xi also opposed tolls on vessels using the key waterway. The leaders discussed boosting Chinese purchases of US oil to cut reliance on Gulf imports, alongside talks on curbing fentanyl precursor flows into the US and expanding Chinese imports of American agricultural products.

-AP

China has intensified its rhetoric on Taiwan, repeatedly calling it the “core” of its national interests, as tensions rise over growing US-Taiwan defence ties. Analyst Ma Chun-wei said increased US military support has pushed Xi Jinping to project control, as he must show the Taiwan issue remains firmly in China’s hands.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after the meeting between President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping that global stability is in everyone’s interest, according to China Central Television.

-Reuters

Donald Trump’s remark to Xi Jinping that he brought only top U.S. executives to Beijing “to pay respects” to China quickly drew attention on Chinese social media. The comment became a top trending topic on Weibo, where users shared jokes, memes and photos of smiling CEOs leaving Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

-AP

As Donald Trump and Xi Jinping attend a state banquet in Beijing, traditional Huaiyang cuisine is expected to feature prominently. Known for subtle flavours and seasonal ingredients, the cuisine reflects China’s use of food as diplomatic symbolism. Chef Shi Qiang said Huaiyang dishes are widely accessible and that state banquets emphasise cultural meaning and balance over luxury or extravagance.

-Reuters

Taiwan said it appreciated the long-standing backing of the United States after Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump of possible "clashes and even conflicts" over the self-governed island claimed by China.

Michelle Lee, spokesperson for Taiwan’s premier, said, "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".

She added that Taiwan has remained in close contact with Washington on national security and diplomacy, and said, "The US has also repeatedly reiterated its firm and clear position of support for Taiwan".

-AP

Xi Jinping said he and Donald Trump agreed to shape China-US ties around a new framework that is constructive, strategic and stable, according to Xinhua News Agency. Xi said the approach should guide relations over the next three years and beyond, with clear limits on competition and better management of differences. He added that political, diplomatic and military communication channels should be used to maintain stability and support those objectives.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping discussed tensions in the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula, Xinhua News Agency reported. The two leaders also agreed to back each other’s hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen and the G20 Summit in Florida.

Xi Jinping said economic ties between China and the US were mutually beneficial during talks with Donald Trump, according to Xinhua News Agency. Xi said recent trade discussions delivered balanced and positive results for both nations and the wider world. He added that trade wars produce no winners and said equal consultation remains the only proper way to resolve disputes and friction.

US President Donald Trump concluded his visit to the Temple of Heaven and was set to return to his hotel before attending a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in his honour.

Asian markets traded mixed on Thursday as investors assessed developments from the summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing. China’s Shanghai Composite fell 1%, while Hang Seng Index rose 0.3%. Japan and South Korea posted gains. Investors are focused on signals from the summit over the Iran conflict and U.S.-China trade, including potential deals involving soybeans, aircraft and semiconductor exports.

-AP

Chinese President Xi Jinping told visiting US business leaders that he believes American companies will continue to see broader prospects in China, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.

He said China welcomes the US to strengthen reciprocal cooperation and deepen economic engagement within the country. Xi also reiterated that China’s policy of opening up would continue, adding that the country’s doors “will only open wider” for foreign businesses, signalling a sustained commitment to attracting international investment and collaboration.

Apple CEO Tim Cook signalled approval when asked about the outcome of his meetings in Beijing, reportedly giving a thumbs-up gesture in response. Separately, NVIDIA chief Jensen Huang described his discussions in the Chinese capital as “excellent,” reflecting an upbeat assessment of his engagements. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he hoped to accomplish “many good things” in China, indicating continued interest in strengthening business and technological ties in the country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for deeper cooperation between China and the US, stressing that both countries share greater common interests than differences and should work together to address global challenges.

Speaking in a formal address, Xi said the two sides must consider whether they can jointly build a more stable international order and improve the well-being of their people. He emphasised that a constructive bilateral relationship, in which success for one side can create opportunities for the other, would be beneficial not only for both nations but also for global stability. Xi added that China and the US should view each other as partners rather than rivals, arguing that cooperation would lead to mutual gains while confrontation would result in shared losses.

Donald Trump said the White House invited the “top 30” business leaders globally to accompany him to Beijing, and all accepted. During his meeting with Xi Jinping, Trump said he specifically wanted company chiefs, not lower-ranking executives, to join the trip. He added the delegation was eager to expand trade with China, saying future business ties would be “totally reciprocal on our behalf.”

The Temple of Heaven, which US President Donald Trump is set to tour, is one of China’s most significant imperial landmarks. Built in the 15th century during the Ming dynasty, it was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped Heaven and prayed for good harvests. Located south of the Forbidden City, the UNESCO-listed complex is famed for its Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and reflects ancient Chinese beliefs that heaven is round and earth is square.

-AP

Donald Trump described his meeting with Xi Jinping as the "biggest summit ever" as the two leaders opened bilateral talks with their delegations. Trump emphasised his personal rapport with Xi, saying it was an honour to meet him and calling Xi a friend. He added that relations between China and the US would improve significantly.

Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that the common interests between China and the United States outweigh their differences, stressing that both countries’ success presents opportunities for each other. Xi said stable Sino-US relations benefit the world and added he looked forward to discussing major issues with Trump during their meeting.

The China-US delegation level talks have begun in Beijing with Xi Jinping and Donald Trump leading their respective groups of representatives.

Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping stood together as the national anthems of the United States and China were played during the official welcome ceremony. The two leaders then walked along a red carpet to inspect the military honour guard, accompanied by a goose-stepping Chinese service member. They also stopped briefly to acknowledge dozens of children waving flowers at the venue.

US President Donald Trump, along with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, inspected the Guard of Honour at the Great Hall of People in Beijing. Trump is on a state visit to China.

US President Donald Trump, who is on an official visit to China, received a ceremonial welcome at the Hall of the People in Beijing. 

Ahead of his visit to Beijing, Trump said he plans to raise the case of jailed Hong Kong media publisher Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping, vowing to push for his release. Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison in February after a prolonged legal battle widely viewed as emblematic of Beijing’s sweeping crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong, once known as a stronghold of free speech.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth joining US President Donald Trump on the Beijing trip signals that both Washington and Beijing may be seeking stronger military communication channels to prevent tensions from spiralling into crises, analysts say. The move also suggests US arms sales to Taiwan are likely to be a key issue in the talks.

Chinese analysts expect Beijing to include Defence Minister Dong Jun in discussions during the summit, with some suggesting Dong and Hegseth could also hold separate sideline talks during the Trump-Xi meeting, the South China Morning Post said. 

US restrictions on advanced technology exports to China are expected to remain a major flashpoint in talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with analysts saying Beijing will push Washington for concessions, according to CNN.

The US first imposed the curbs during Trump’s initial term, citing national security concerns. Since then, Washington has steadily expanded the restrictions, tightening China’s access to advanced semiconductors, chipmaking equipment and even foreign-made products developed using US technology.

The White House has shared photographs of Trump's arrival in Beijing.

The families of two Americans detained in China for over a decade are urging US President Donald Trump to push for their release during his visit to Beijing.

Dawn Michelle Hunt and Nelson Wells Jr. have been imprisoned since 2014 after allegedly becoming unknowingly entangled in drug trafficking schemes, their families said. According to CNN, both are now facing worsening physical and mental health after years in detention.

Washington looks to expand sales of Boeing aircraft, agricultural products and energy exports to China in a bid to reduce the trade deficit that has long frustrated Trump, while Beijing is seeking relief from US restrictions on exports of chipmaking equipment and advanced semiconductors, officials involved in the discussions told Reuters.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a series of high-level meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, aiming to secure economic gains, preserve a fragile trade truce and address contentious issues including the Iran war and US arms sales to Taiwan.

The visit, Trump’s first trip to China since 2017 and the first by a sitting US president to America’s main strategic rival in nearly a decade, comes as his approval ratings have been hit by the ongoing war in Iran, adding to the significance of the closely watched meetings.

A delegation of prominent business leaders joined Trump on the trip, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who joined Air Force One during a refuelling stop in Alaska at Trump’s request.

Several executives accompanying Trump are seeking progress on business and trade matters involving China, while Trump said he plans to press Xi to “open up” the Chinese market further to US companies.