China confirms dates for President Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing

US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to Beijing from May 13-15 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. This marks the first presidential visit to China in nearly nine years and occurs amidst heightened bilateral tensions and global economic concerns, including the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The visit's agenda includes a welcome ceremony, bilateral meetings with President Xi, and visits to cultural sites. The US also plans a reciprocal visit for President Xi later this year. Prior to Trump's arrival, Vice-Premier He Lifeng will attend trade talks in South Korea with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

President Donald Trump will visit Beijing on Wednesday evening to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with discussions expected to focus on the ongoing war with Iran. According to White House officials, Trump plans to "apply pressure" on China regarding its purchases of Iranian oil and potential military-related goods. This visit, postponed from earlier this year, comes as the US grapples with the war's consequences. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused China of funding Iran by buying a significant portion of its energy. While China has called for an end to the war and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, it has not recognized US sanctions on Iran's oil sector. The trip aims to rebalance the US-China relationship, emphasizing reciprocity and fairness for American economic independence.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te visited Eswatini, one of the island's few remaining diplomatic allies, days after accusing China of obstructing a previous trip. Lai stated Taiwan would not be deterred by external pressure and praised Eswatini for its support. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties through economic, agricultural, cultural, and educational cooperation. Eswatini is one of only 12 nations with formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a connection the Taiwanese government prioritizes amidst China's ongoing efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. China's foreign ministry criticized Lai's visit, calling him an "international laughing stock" and reiterating its claim that Taiwan is part of China.

President Donald Trump is set to visit China for a summit with President Xi Jinping next week. This visit occurs amidst global energy supply disruptions and economic uncertainty caused by the Iran war, which have also strained US-China relations. Six months prior, when the summit was proposed, Trump was in a stronger political position than Xi. However, Trump now travels to Beijing facing political challenges and military overextension. Experts suggest these factors will influence the dynamics of the upcoming meeting between the two leaders.