14 May,2026 08:22 AM IST | Beijing | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday for a closely watched summit expected to focus on trade tensions, technology disputes and regional security challenges.
Trump was formally welcomed by Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at the start of his two-day visit to China.
The two leaders exchanged a handshake before holding introductory meetings with senior officials from both delegations. Trump also introduced Xi to members of the US delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
China also accorded Trump a ceremonial guard of honour presented by the People's Liberation Army Honour Guard Battalion.
Following the ceremonial reception, the two leaders were scheduled to hold extensive bilateral discussions covering a range of sensitive issues affecting China-US relations.
Key topics expected to dominate the talks include tariffs, economic cooperation, technology restrictions, global supply chains and broader geopolitical tensions.
The meeting comes at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing remain strained over trade disputes, competition in advanced technologies and differing positions on regional security issues across Asia.
Officials from both countries are also expected to discuss global economic stability and ongoing international conflicts that could affect trade and energy markets.
A state banquet in honour of Trump is scheduled to take place later in the evening.
Trump arrived in China on Wednesday and was received by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
US Ambassador to China David Perdue was also present during the arrival ceremony.
The visit marks Trump's first state visit to China since his return to office and his first official trip to Beijing since his previous presidential visit in 2017.
The summit also marks the first in-person meeting between Trump and Xi since their meeting in Busan last October.
Diplomatic observers view the talks as significant amid rising strategic competition between the world's two largest economies.
Ahead of Trump's arrival, the Chinese Embassy in the United States publicly reiterated Beijing's stance on several sensitive issues in bilateral relations.
In a statement posted on X, the embassy said there were "four red lines" in China-US relations that should not be challenged.
According to the embassy, the issues include Taiwan, democracy and human rights, political systems and what China described as its "development right."
The statement highlighted Beijing's concerns over issues it considers central to national sovereignty and internal affairs.
The Trump-Xi meeting is being closely watched internationally due to its potential implications for global trade, financial markets and geopolitical stability.
Relations between the United States and China have remained tense over tariffs, semiconductor restrictions, military activity in the Indo-Pacific region and broader competition for global influence.
Analysts believe the summit could help determine whether both sides are willing to stabilise ties through dialogue or continue moving towards deeper strategic rivalry.
The outcome of the discussions is also expected to influence global markets already dealing with uncertainty caused by conflicts in West Asia and disruptions in international supply chains.
(With inputs from Agencies)
