Trump to visit China this week amid trade disputes, Iran war

U.S. President Donald Trump will travel to China this week for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on trade, Iran and artificial intelligence.

The two leaders are expected to hold meetings in Beijing on Thursday and Friday as both countries seek to ease tensions over trade disputes and wider geopolitical disagreements.

According to U.S. officials, discussions will cover issues including Taiwan, nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence and the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for his first visit to China since 2017.

Officials said both sides are expected to announce measures aimed at improving trade and investment cooperation. China is also anticipated to unveil purchases involving Boeing aircraft, American agricultural products and energy supplies.

The United States and China are further expected to discuss extending a trade truce that currently allows rare earth minerals to continue flowing from China to the U.S. The agreement, reached last autumn, remains in effect.

One U.S. official expressed confidence that the arrangement would eventually be prolonged, although no confirmation has yet been given on whether an extension will be announced during the visit.

Plans for new trade and investment forums between the two countries may also be introduced during the meetings, though officials indicated additional negotiations would still be required before such mechanisms become operational.

The talks come at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan, Russia and Iran.

China remains one of Iran’s key oil customers, while the Trump administration has been urging Beijing to use its influence to encourage Tehran to reach an agreement with Washington following the outbreak of conflict earlier this year.

U.S. officials also said Trump is expected to continue raising concerns over China’s relationship with Russia, including allegations involving dual-use goods and components.

Meanwhile, Taiwan remains a major sticking point between the two nations. Beijing claims the self-governed island as part of its territory, while the United States continues to support and supply arms to Taiwan.

American officials additionally voiced concerns about the rapid development of advanced artificial intelligence systems in China, stressing the need for stronger communication channels between both countries to prevent future tensions linked to the technology.

Source: Reuters