Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to hold high-level discussions with US President Donald Trump on global security, bilateral ties, and economic stability during Trump’s upcoming visit to China this week.
Trump will travel to China from May 13 to 15 for his first official visit to the country in nearly nine years. Beijing said the meeting would focus on strengthening communication between the two powers amid rising geopolitical tensions and ongoing instability in the Middle East.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that direct diplomacy between national leaders remains essential for maintaining strategic direction in China-US relations. He added that Beijing seeks cooperation with Washington based on mutual respect, equality, and shared interests while aiming to reduce uncertainty in global affairs.
The summit comes as tensions remain high over the continuing US-Iran conflict. China has repeatedly condemned military actions carried out by the US and Israel against Iran, calling the strikes unlawful and blaming them for instability in the Strait of Hormuz. Although active fighting paused following a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire in April, no permanent agreement has been reached between Washington and Tehran.
Trump’s visit was initially planned for late March but was delayed as the White House focused on developments linked to the Iran conflict. Analysts expect the war to dominate discussions between the two leaders alongside trade and security matters.
Relations between United States and China have worsened during Trump’s second presidential term due to tariff disputes, restrictions on advanced technology exports, and Beijing’s tighter control over rare earth supplies. The Taiwan issue is also expected to feature prominently after Washington approved new arms sales to the island.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taipei continues to maintain its separate political identity. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia lung said authorities are closely monitoring the Trump-Xi summit and hope there are no unexpected developments concerning the island’s future.
Meanwhile, Beijing strongly criticized fresh US sanctions targeting Chinese firms accused of supporting Iran through oil purchases and satellite-related services. Chinese officials described the sanctions as unilateral and lacking legal basis under international law.
Guo said Beijing would continue protecting the rights of Chinese businesses and urged all sides to prevent renewed conflict instead of escalating tensions through political accusations. The US sanctions aim to cut the targeted refiners off from the American financial system while discouraging further business dealings linked to Iran.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE