China has confirmed that United States President Donald Trump will undertake a state visit from May 13 to May 15, according to the official Xinhua News Agency, setting the stage for crucial negotiations between the world’s two largest economies.
The visit marks Trump’s first trip to China since 2017 and comes as he prepares for face-to-face talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday and Friday.
Both leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of pressing global issues, including Iran, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons, and the future of a critical minerals trade arrangement that underpins global supply chains.
According to US officials, the discussions will also focus on stabilising relations that have been strained by trade disputes, the US-Israel conflict involving Iran, and broader geopolitical tensions.
The meeting is seen as the first direct engagement between Trump and Xi in over six months, with hopes of easing friction between Washington and Beijing.
US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday ahead of the scheduled talks.
Both sides are also expected to explore new frameworks to facilitate trade and investment, including the possible establishment of a Board of Trade and a Board of Investment. However, officials noted that these mechanisms may require further negotiation before implementation.
China is also expected to announce new purchases involving Boeing aircraft, US agricultural products, and energy imports as part of efforts to balance trade relations.
A key focus will be the extension of a temporary trade truce that has allowed rare earth minerals to continue flowing from China to the United States. While the agreement remains in effect, its long-term extension is yet to be confirmed.
Beyond economic issues, the talks are expected to cover sensitive geopolitical matters.
The US is pressing China to use its influence over Iran amid ongoing conflict tensions, while also raising concerns over Beijing’s ties with Russia and the flow of dual-use technologies.
Taiwan remains one of the most contentious issues, with Washington continuing to support the self-governed island, which Beijing claims as its territory. China has increased military activity near Taiwan in recent years, further heightening tensions.
Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature prominently, with US officials calling for better communication channels to prevent potential conflicts arising from rapid technological developments.
Washington has additionally pushed for dialogue on nuclear arms control, although Beijing has reportedly shown little interest in formal negotiations on the matter.
Trump and Xi last met in October in South Korea, where both sides agreed to temporarily ease trade tensions following months of tariff escalations and export restrictions.
