Beijing (TDI): US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed optimism about future relations with China as he opened high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the two leaders are expected to discuss major global issues including trade, Taiwan and the Iran conflict.
During the opening meeting, Trump praised Xi and described it as “an honour” to be his friend, saying the United States and China could have a “fantastic future together”.
Xi responded in more measured terms, stressing that the two countries should remain “partners and not rivals” while warning that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push both sides toward confrontation.
Chinese state media quoted Xi as saying Taiwan remains the most sensitive issue in China-US relations. He warned that if the matter is handled improperly, it could place bilateral ties in a “highly perilous situation” and potentially lead to direct conflict between the two powers.
Taiwan continues to be a major point of tension between Beijing and Washington, particularly over US arms sales and political support for the self-governing island, which China claims as its territory.
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Trump received a high-profile state welcome at the Great Hall of the People, featuring military honours, a gun salute, and performances by schoolchildren waving Chinese and American flags.
The US president later visited Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven alongside Xi, where the two leaders toured the landmark and posed for official photographs.
The visit marks the first trip to China by a US president in nearly a decade. Trump is seeking expanded market access for American firms and has pushed China to “open up” further to US businesses. His delegation includes several major corporate figures, including executives from the technology and automotive sectors.
Chinese officials signalled openness to deeper economic cooperation, with Xi stating that China’s market would continue opening wider and that American companies would find broader opportunities in the country.
The two sides are also expected to discuss extending a temporary tariff truce reached during their previous meeting, following years of escalating trade disputes and tariff battles.
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The ongoing Iran conflict has added another layer of complexity to the summit. Washington hopes China can play a larger role in persuading Tehran to reduce tensions in the Persian Gulf, particularly regarding maritime security and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said he expected lengthy discussions with Xi on Iran, though he maintained that the United States did not necessarily require China’s assistance.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, indicated Washington hopes Beijing will pressure Iran to step back from actions affecting regional stability.
