Trump begins high-profile China visit, outcomes uncertain

Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday night and was formally welcomed by Xi at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday morning. The two leaders shook hands and exchanged brief remarks before posing for photographs in the imposing state building near Tiananmen Square.

Schoolchildren waving Chinese and American flags performed a colorful welcome ceremony, chanting greetings in Mandarin.

During the three-day visit, Trump and Xi are scheduled to hold bilateral talks, visit the historic Temple of Heaven and attend a state banquet.

The White House said Trump expects to secure tangible results, including possible Chinese commitments to purchase more American soybeans, beef and aircraft. The two sides are also discussing the creation of a joint trade board to resolve commercial disputes.

However, no specific agreements have been announced, and analysts say major breakthroughs are unlikely.

The visit comes at a time when the United States is dealing with growing tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict involving Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed up global oil and gas prices, raising concerns about economic fallout.

China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, is expected to face pressure from Washington to use its influence to persuade Tehran to reduce tensions in the Persian Gulf.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump will urge Beijing to play a more active role, arguing that prolonged instability is hurting global economies and reducing demand for Chinese exports.

Despite this, experts say China is unlikely to make major concessions on Iran, while Beijing is expected to press Trump to ease US support for Taiwan.

Taiwan is expected to be one of the most sensitive issues during the talks. China strongly opposes US arms sales to the self-governing island, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

The Trump administration has approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, although deliveries have not yet begun.

Trade will also be a major focus. Trump is seeking greater access for US companies to the Chinese market and wants to extend an agreement allowing China to continue exporting rare earth minerals to the United States.

The US delegation includes senior officials such as Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, along with several prominent business leaders including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang.

Trump is also expected to discuss a proposal for the United States, China and Russia to negotiate limits on their nuclear arsenals, although Beijing has previously expressed skepticism about such an agreement, reports UNB.