Donald Trump meets Xi Jinping in Beijing for high-stakes talks on trade and global tensions

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 challengesTrump was formally welcomed by Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at the start of his twoday visit to ChinaThe 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 HegsethChina also accorded Trump a ceremonial guard of honour presented by the Peoplersquos Liberation Army Honour Guard BattalionBilateral talks to focus on trade and strategic issuesFollowing the ceremonial reception the two leaders were scheduled to hold extensive bilateral discussions covering a range of sensitive issues affecting ChinaUS relationsKey topics expected to dominate the talks include tariffs economic cooperation technology restrictions global supply chains and broader geopolitical tensionsThe 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 AsiaOfficials from both countries are also expected to discuss global economic stability and ongoing international conflicts that could affect trade and energy marketsA state banquet in honour of Trump is scheduled to take place later in the eveningTrumprsquos first China visit since returning to officeTrump arrived in China on Wednesday and was received by Chinese Vice President Han ZhengUS Ambassador to China David Perdue was also present during the arrival ceremonyThe visit marks Trumprsquos first state visit to China since his return to office and his first official trip to Beijing since his previous presidential visit in 2017The summit also marks the first inperson meeting between Trump and Xi since their meeting in Busan last OctoberDiplomatic observers view the talks as significant amid rising strategic competition between the worldrsquos two largest economiesChina reiterates lsquored linesrsquo before summitAhead of Trumprsquos arrival the Chinese Embassy in the United States publicly reiterated Beijingrsquos stance on several sensitive issues in bilateral relationsIn a statement posted on X the embassy said there were ldquofour red linesrdquo in ChinaUS relations that should not be challengedAccording to the embassy the issues include Taiwan democracy and human rights political systems and what China described as its ldquodevelopment rightrdquoThe statement highlighted Beijingrsquos concerns over issues it considers central to national sovereignty and internal affairsGlobal attention focused on outcome of summitThe TrumpXi meeting is being closely watched internationally due to its potential implications for global trade financial markets and geopolitical stabilityRelations between the United States and China have remained tense over tariffs semiconductor restrictions military activity in the IndoPacific region and broader competition for global influenceAnalysts believe the summit could help determine whether both sides are willing to stabilise ties through dialogue or continue moving towards deeper strategic rivalryThe 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 chainsWith inputs from Agencies