Xi Trump Beijing summit begins with talks on trade, Iran, Taiwan and rare earth exports amid rising global tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed US President Donald Trump with a formal handshake in Beijing on Thursday as both leaders opened a crucial summit dominated by disputes over trade, Iran and Taiwan.

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Xi received Trump at the Great Hall of the People shortly after 10 a.m. local time, marking the beginning of a closely watched two-day meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies.

The grand reception contrasted sharply with the deep political and economic tensions that continue to shape relations between Beijing and Washington.

Trump arrived alongside senior US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a long-time critic of China’s government.

Children waving Chinese and American flags lined the route as both leaders walked through the square outside the hall amid chants welcoming the visiting US delegation.

The summit agenda is expected to focus heavily on the ongoing trade dispute between the two countries, tensions surrounding Taiwan, China’s rare earth export controls and the growing rivalry over artificial intelligence technology.

Xi Trump Beijing summit discussions are also expected to centre on the escalating crisis involving Iran, an issue that has added fresh pressure to already strained diplomatic ties.

Before arriving in Beijing aboard Air Force One on Wednesday, Trump said he intended to press Xi to further open China’s economy to American companies.

The US president travelled with a delegation of influential business leaders, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, highlighting Washington’s push for new commercial agreements involving agriculture, aviation and advanced technology.

The visit marks Trump’s first trip to China since his previous presidential visit in 2017.

Despite ceremonial warmth, major disagreements remain unresolved between both countries.

Trump said he expected a lengthy discussion with Xi over Iran, particularly regarding China’s continued purchase of Iranian oil despite US sanctions.

However, Trump insisted the United States did not necessarily require Beijing’s assistance in handling the crisis.

Rubio adopted a firmer diplomatic tone, saying Washington hoped China would play a more active role in persuading Iran to de-escalate tensions in the Persian Gulf.

Trade negotiations are also expected to dominate the summit after both countries imposed massive tariffs on each other last year, triggering a damaging economic confrontation.

The two leaders are expected to discuss extending the one-year tariff truce reached during their previous meeting in South Korea in October.

Taiwan remains another highly sensitive topic.

Trump recently indicated that he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, a move likely to attract close attention from Taipei and regional allies.

The summit will conclude with a state banquet in Beijing, while Trump is also scheduled to visit the historic Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most famous cultural landmarks.

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Both leaders are expected to seek diplomatic gains from the meeting while attempting to stabilise a volatile relationship with significant global consequences.