What to know as Trump visits Xi in China

What to know as Trump visits Xi in ChinaJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleRobert GreenallGetty ImagesThe leaders last met in South Korea in October 2025US President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing on the first trip to China by an American leader since in his own previous visit, during his first term in 2017. He will hold two days of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, originally meant to be held in March but rescheduled after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran.Why is Trump going to China?The main focus of the talks is expected to be the current tense trade relationship between the two superpowers.Trump said he would ask Xi to "open up" China's economy to major tech companies.He added that he also expected a "long talk" about Iran, though he insisted he did not need China's help to end the conflict.He said Xi had been "relatively good" on Iran, adding that it would be an "exciting trip" and "a lot of good things are going to happen".Xi meanwhile is expected to press for an end to US arms sales to Taiwan, and an extension of the trade truce agreed in October that halted tariff escalation between the US and China.Commentary in Chinese media also suggested Beijing was looking for a "better future" with the US, and a relationship that would "add more stability and certainty" to a turbulent world.Follow live updatesHow the Trump-Xi summit could set superpower relations for many years to comeWhat will happen during the trip?Trump arrived in Beijing on Air Force One on Wednesday evening local time, before main part of the visit starts on Thursday.The US president is expected to attend an arrival ceremony with Xi at the Great Hall of the People, before the two leaders hold bilateral talks.A state banquet will be held later at the same venue.On Friday, Trump will pay a visit to Zhongnanhai, a rarefied compound where China's leaders live and work. The visit will featu...