BEIJING, Thursday, May 14, 2026 (WNP): U.S. President Donald Trump received a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday as he began a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on trade, the Iran conflict, Taiwan, and broader strategic ties between the two powers.

The summit includes bilateral talks, a state banquet, and cultural visits, with both leaders projecting a cooperative tone despite ongoing tensions over tariffs, technology, and regional security issues. Xi described recent trade discussions as “balanced and positive,” while Trump emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties and expanding U.S. business access to China.

The Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz crisis are expected to dominate discussions, with Washington reportedly seeking Beijing’s assistance in encouraging de-escalation. Taiwan also remains a major flashpoint, as Xi warned against actions that could trigger confrontation.

The visit marks Trump’s first trip to China since 2017 and is being closely watched as a significant attempt to stabilize relations between the world’s two largest economies amid rising geopolitical tensions.