US President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as “a great leader” and “a friend” on Thursday as the two leaders opened a high-stakes summit in Beijing focused on trade, geopolitical tensions and regional security issues.
The two-day meeting marks Trump’s first visit to China since returning to office in 2025 and his first trip to America’s main strategic rival since his previous state visit in 2017. The summit comes at a sensitive moment for both countries as they attempt to preserve a fragile trade truce while managing disputes over Taiwan, advanced technology exports and the war involving Iran.
Trump arrived in Beijing accompanied by a delegation of senior business executives, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, who joined the trip at the last minute. The US president has said he wants China to further open its markets to American companies and reduce barriers for US industries.
The summit began with an elaborate welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi greeted Trump on a red carpet lined with honour guards and cheering schoolchildren waving American and Chinese flags.
“You’re a great leader,” Trump told Xi during opening remarks attended by officials from both countries. “It’s an honour to be your friend and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”
Xi responded by calling for cooperation rather than confrontation between the world’s two largest economies. He said a stable relationship between China and the United States benefits the entire international community and stressed that both nations gain when they work together.
Analysts said the atmosphere surrounding the visit reflects a shift in global power dynamics since Trump’s last visit to Beijing. While China previously sought stronger recognition from Washington, experts say the United States is now more openly acknowledging China’s global influence.
Trade is expected to dominate much of the summit agenda. Both governments are seeking to maintain an agreement reached last year in which Trump suspended steep tariffs on Chinese imports while Beijing eased restrictions on exports of rare earth materials vital for industries ranging from electric vehicles to defence manufacturing.
US officials are also expected to press China to increase purchases of American products including aircraft, agricultural goods and energy supplies. Beijing, meanwhile, is seeking relief from US restrictions on semiconductor technology and chipmaking equipment.
The leaders are also expected to discuss the conflict involving Iran, with Washington hoping Beijing can encourage Tehran to pursue diplomatic negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said stability in the Gulf is also in China’s economic interest because disruptions threaten global trade and shipping.
Taiwan remains another major source of tension. China has strongly opposed proposed US arms sales to the island, while Washington maintains its longstanding policy of supporting Taiwan’s defence capabilities despite lacking formal diplomatic ties.
Xi is tentatively expected to make a return visit to the United States later this year, which would be his first trip to Washington since Trump returned to office.
