Trump arrives in China for Xi summit amid Iran-U.S. ceasefire tensions

• Trump and Xi are scheduled for a series of talks on May 14-15.
• Nvidia’s Jensen Huang was added unexpectedly to the trip, sources say.
• The business delegation primarily aims to address issues with China.

BEIJING/SEOUL: President Donald Trump touched down in Beijing Wednesday accompanied by an entourage that included Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Elon Musk, after promising to urge China’s Xi Jinping to “open up” to U.S. business during their two-day summit.

Trump’s first visit to China by a sitting U.S. president in nearly ten years aims to secure deals, keep fragile trade relations alive, and bolster his approval ratings, which have taken a hit due to tensions with Iran.

The executives traveling with Trump mostly represent companies eager to resolve trade tensions with China. For instance, Nvidia has struggled to obtain regulatory approval to sell its advanced H200 AI chips in China.

Last-minute, Trump personally invited Huang to join the trip, according to an anonymous source. Huang was seen boarding Air Force One during a refueling stop in Alaska en route to Beijing.

“I’ll be asking President Xi, a leader of exceptional distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these talented individuals can do their work,” Trump stated on Truth Social, referring to the delegation of CEOs.

“That will be my initial request.”

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded, saying Beijing is prepared to “expand cooperation, manage differences, and bring more stability and certainty to a turbulent world.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s trade envoy Scott Bessent concluded three hours of preparatory talks with Chinese officials in South Korea. Official reports described the discussions as “candid, in-depth, and constructive,” though no detailed summaries were provided.

The two-day schedule includes a grand welcome at The Great Hall of the People, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Temple of Heaven, and a state banquet.

Beyond trade matters, discussions will tackle sensitive issues like Iran, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, and other geopolitical concerns.

It is widely anticipated that Trump will urge China to persuade Iran to negotiate a peace deal, although he has also expressed doubt over needing Beijing’s assistance.

On Wednesday, China reaffirmed its strong opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. A $14 billion package awaiting Trump’s approval remains unresolved.

Bessent’s South Korea Preparations

While Trump mingled with executives aboard Air Force One, Bessent held talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at a VIP lounge at Incheon Airport, South Korea. The session lasted around three hours and wrapped up before 4 p.m. local time.

The two nations are keen to sustain the ceasefire agreement reached last October, which saw Trump suspend tariffs on Chinese goods and China back away from restricting rare earths exports, crucial for manufacturing electric vehicles and military equipment.

Potential discussions include fostering trade and investment forums, cooperation on AI development, and U.S. plans to export Boeing aircraft, agricultural products, and energy to China to reduce long-standing trade deficits.

Beijing wants the U.S. to relax restrictions on export controls for chip manufacturing equipment and semiconductors.

Trump’s leverage is limited; recent court rulings have constrained his authority to impose tariffs unilaterally, and ongoing regional tensions, especially over Iran, complicate the agenda. Inflation rising from Iran-related turmoil and the threat of losing legislative control in upcoming elections add to the challenge. Meanwhile, Xi faces fewer economic or political pressures.

“The Trump administration needs this meeting more than China does, mainly to demonstrate to Americans that deals are made, and money exchanges hands,” explained Liu Qian, CEO of Wusawa Advisory in Beijing.

Though Trump praises his rapport with Xi and his respect for China, many in Beijing remain cautious, viewing the visit with a mix of hopes and skepticism.

“I wonder if he’s genuinely sincere,” said Lou Huilian, a 44-year-old oil industry worker outside a metro station, heading to work. “But as someone in trade, I hope this leads to good policies.”