On 13 May 2026, US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing, China, for a two-day state visit to attend a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was his first visit to China since 2017, and his first visit in his second term after being re-elected in 2024. Delayed from March due to the Iran war, the visit focused on trade, Taiwan, and world peace.
Trump received the full treatment–a 21-gun salute, the military reception at the Great Hall of the People, state banquet, and a visit to the Temple of Heaven with Xi. Trump assembled a who‘s who list of the world‘s top CEOs, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Kelly Ortberg of Boeing and Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone. Family joined too—Eric and Lara Trump.
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Warm Welcome Signals Thaw-
Trump called Xi ‘a great leader’ and said they have a ‘fantastic future together.’ Xi said the US and China should be partners, not rivals, and open a ‘new chapter.’ Both emphasised stability under worldwide instability.
The red-carpet events showed respect. Trump posted on Truth Social: “Big day with President Xi—deals coming!” Xi replied via state media: “Mutual respect builds bridges.”
Key visuals:
- Trump-Xi handshake under giant flags.
- Business delegates at a banquet.
- Temple tour discussing history.
This positive tone set hopes for deals, unlike the 2018 tariff wars.
Trade Deals Take Centre Stage-
Trade was also high on the agenda. Trump asked China to buy more US farm produce, Boeing and energy. One highlight: a potential record-breaking order for 500-plus 737 MAX jets and other widebodies, making it the largest order in history.
Both eyed extending the October 2025 trade truce. Plans included new boards for fair trade and investment.
Business wins:
Agriculture: More US soybeans, More US corn for China‘s Pigs:
China‘s 400M+ pigs need a constant supply; US exports of 30M tonnes each year could stabilise Iowa pig farmer prices. This compromise reduces Chinese dependence on Brazil after the MS-8 slaughter, easing Amazon deforestation issues in global food talks.
Energy: LNG from Texas to Shanghai:
Texas Gulf plants see 20 M tpy deals, meet China‘s 100 M tpy import shortfall following Russia switch. 15 years 15 B dollar deal, pump Beijing‘s winter heating no coal burden spike.
Planes: Boeing wins over Airbus in the Chinese market:
China to take 8,000 jets by 2045, 60% US spec. Boeing beats Airbus Europe; Order for 500 jets puts 100,000 jobs in USD. State airlines (Air China) are ordering 737 MAX for flights within the Chinese market. Pushes the EU aside.
Boeing Mega-Order Buzz-
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg joined the talks. China needs 8,000 jets by 2045; the US wants half. 500-plane deal could hit $100B, saving 100K US jobs.
Sub-details:
- 400 narrowbody 737 MAX.
- 100 widebody 787 Dreamliners.
- Delivery starts in 2028.
This revives Boeing after 737 MAX woes. China gets a modern fleet; Trump claims a win over rivals.
Taiwan Tensions on the Table-
Xi raised US arms sales to Taiwan. Trump okayed an $11B package in December 2025 but paused delivery. Xi warned: Mishandling Taiwan risks war.
Trump replied: “Peace through strength—we support friends.” No new sales announced, but both agreed “status quo holds.”
Risks:
Taiwan Strait patrols persist: The US Navy‘s recent twice-monthly freedom-of-navigation exercise demonstrates the US’s resolve without provoking the Chinese. Beijing, keenly observant but principled, refrains from direct interceptions to safeguard the fragile post-summit serenity.
China drills within the vicinity of the island: PLA Navy delays two carrier groups (operating within 100nm of Taiwan‘s east coast) and advances missile capabilities in a simulated blockade. Drills to terminate within 48 hours as agreed by the Xi-Trump understanding to prevent protracted provocation.
Iran War: China’s Leverage Sought-
Amid the Iran war, Trump urged Xi to press Tehran for US terms and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. White House: Leaders agreed Hormuz “must remain open.”
China imports 10M barrels/day of oil; the blockade hurts all. Xi promised a “constructive role” via Belt and Road ties.
Outcomes:
- No firm commitment.
- Joint statement on energy security.
- Trump: “Xi understands—big progress.”
Tech, AI, and Rare Earths Talks-
Discussed US chip export curbs and AI safety. Trump wants “fair play” on Nvidia, AMD sales.
Rare earths key—China supplies 90%. Truce extension ensures the US gets magnets for EVs and jets.
AI dialogue:
- Safeguards against rogue tech.
- Huawei 5G in the US is still banned.
No big shifts; “talks continue.”
Power Delegation Drives Deals-
Trump’s team packed star power:
- Elon Musk (Tesla Shanghai factory).
- Tim Cook (iPhone assembly).
- Ortberg (Boeing push).
- Meta’s Dina Powell, Schwarzman.
They met Chinese firms post-summit. Musk tweeted: “Great talks—China key to Mars!”
Eric Trump handled family business links; Lara charmed hosts.
| CEO | Company | China Stake |
| Musk | Tesla | 50% sales from Gigafactory |
| Cook | Apple | 20% iPhones are made here |
| Ortberg | Boeing | $10B backlog |
| Huang* | Nvidia | Absent; chip curbs |
*Jensen Huang skipped amid tensions.
Global Stakes and Analyst Views-
Summit calmed markets—Dow up 2%, Shanghai Composite +1.5%. Oil dipped as Hormuz hope grew.
Experts:
- Few breakthroughs expected.
- Stability over wins.
- Trade truce likely extended.
Trump left on May 14 after a private Xi meeting. “Mission accomplished,” he said.
Trump-Xi at Temple of Heaven—symbol of ancient wisdom guiding modern ties.
Challenges Ahead-
Hurdles remain:
- Taiwan arms deadlock.
- Tech theft claims.
- Currency fights.
Next: G20 in India? More summits planned.
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Outcome Snapshot-
- Trade boards formed.
- Boeing deal framework.
- Hormuz consensus.
- Taiwan’s calm pledge.
Trump: “Stability achieved.”