US President Donald Trump is due to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for his first visit to China since returning to office, with trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the war with Iran expected to dominate talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump is accompanied by a delegation of business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, as he seeks economic agreements that could bolster his standing at home.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Thursday and Friday, with a state banquet and a visit to the Temple of Heaven on the agenda.
The summit comes as the war with Iran enters its third month, with Tehran maintaining tight control over the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets under pressure.
Although Trump has said he does not need China’s help to end the conflict, US officials have privately urged Beijing to use its influence with Tehran to help reopen the strait and push Iran toward a settlement.
China, Iran’s largest oil customer, has called for stability while criticising U.S. sanctions on Chinese firms accused of helping Iranian oil shipments.
Trade will remain a central focus of the summit.
The United States and China are operating under a fragile tariff truce reached last year. Washington wants greater market access and increased Chinese purchases of US goods, while Beijing is seeking relief from US export controls on advanced semiconductors and chip-making equipment.
Trump also said he would raise US arms sales to Taiwan, a sensitive issue for Beijing.
