Trump-Xi summit live: US president preparing to meet China’s leader with trade, Taiwan and the Iran war set to dominate talks

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting, taking place at the Great Hall of the People, is expected to be dominated by discussions on trade, Taiwan, and the Iran war. Security has been significantly heightened in the Chinese capital in anticipation of the talks. This visit occurs against a backdrop of persistent air pollution in Beijing, a contrast to the cleaner skies seen during Trump's previous visit in 2017 when emergency measures were implemented. The summit aims to address critical geopolitical and economic issues between the two global powers.

US President Donald Trump is meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 13-15, 2026. The summit occurs as the US faces a critical situation in the Middle East, where a war against Iran has led to Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade has severely impacted global energy markets and created fears of economic meltdown. Consequently, the US is now seeking China's assistance, urging Beijing to use its influence to persuade Iran to reopen the vital waterway. This situation marks a significant shift in global power dynamics, with the US appearing more dependent on China's cooperation than vice versa.

President Donald Trump has traveled to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While US officials have sought to minimize the prominence of the US-Iran war in discussions, emphasizing trade instead, Trump offered conflicting statements. He indicated he would discuss the conflict and its impact on global oil markets with Xi, but also stated that Iran was not a primary topic and that the US did not require assistance with the situation. US officials have urged China to use its influence to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. The meetings are scheduled for Thursday and Friday.