US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in May during his first visit to China in eight years, as tensions between the world’s two largest economies continue to intensify.
The planned meeting comes amid a series of escalating trade, security and geopolitical measures exchanged between Washington and Beijing since Trump returned to the White House in 2025.
Recent developments in May saw China invoke its anti-sanctions law in response to US blacklisting of refiners, warning companies against complying with American measures.
At the same time, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Beijing to increase diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping.
In April, China’s State Council granted authorities broader powers to investigate and counter foreign actions deemed discriminatory against its industrial and supply chains.
Beijing also authorised countermeasures against countries it accused of exercising “unlawful extraterritorial jurisdiction”, signalling a tougher stance on external pressure.
Chinese officials were also reported to have held discussions with solar equipment manufacturers regarding possible restrictions on exporting advanced technology to the United States.
Earlier in the year, tensions escalated further following US sanctions on Chinese refineries linked to Iranian oil purchases, alongside new restrictions on exports and financial access.
Both countries also engaged in multiple rounds of trade negotiations, including meetings in Geneva and Paris, which resulted in temporary tariff truces but failed to produce lasting agreements.
In March, Washington launched new Section 301 investigations into Chinese industries, prompting reciprocal actions from Beijing, while Trump postponed his China visit due to geopolitical instability linked to Middle East conflicts.
February saw additional strain after US and allied military actions in Iran disrupted global energy markets, increasing pressure on supply chains already affected by trade disputes.
China, which remains the world’s largest energy importer and industrial manufacturing hub, has increasingly diversified its exports towards Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America.
By January, China recorded a historic trade surplus, reflecting its shift away from reliance on US markets.
In late 2025, both sides briefly reached a trade truce involving tariff reductions and limited cooperation on issues such as rare earth exports and agricultural purchases.
However, the agreement later deteriorated as both countries accused each other of violating terms, particularly over export controls and tariffs exceeding 100 per cent.
Analysts say the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting could be crucial in determining whether the two powers move towards stabilising relations or continue on a path of strategic competition.
