US President Donald Trump said he plans to ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to “open up” China to American companies as he travelled to Beijing on Wednesday for a major summit expected to address trade, Taiwan and the Middle East conflict.
Highlighting the business focus of the visit, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang joined Air Force One during a stop in Alaska, while Tesla chief Elon Musk was also among those travelling with Trump to China.
“I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic, and help bring the People’s Republic to an even higher level!” Trump wrote on social media after leaving Washington.
Several other major business leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, are also expected in Beijing for the visit — the first by a US president to China in nearly 10 years.
Despite Trump’s push for stronger trade ties, the summit is likely to be overshadowed by tensions surrounding Taiwan and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which had already delayed the trip from March.
Before departing the White House, Trump said he expected a “long talk” with Xi regarding Iran, whose oil exports heavily rely on China despite US sanctions.
However, he appeared to downplay tensions, saying, “I don’t think we need any help with Iran” from China and describing Xi as “relatively good” on the issue.
Meanwhile, China has reportedly become increasingly eager for peace efforts, with Beijing’s foreign minister urging Pakistan on Tuesday to intensify mediation between Iran and the United States.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold talks on Thursday and Friday, alongside official ceremonies including a state banquet at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People and a tea reception.
Trump also revealed earlier this week that he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, marking a shift from Washington’s traditional stance of not consulting Beijing on support for the self-governed island claimed by China.
Other major topics expected to dominate discussions include China’s restrictions on rare earth exports, competition in artificial intelligence, and the broader trade relationship between the world’s two largest economies.
Both sides are also expected to consider extending the one-year tariff truce agreed upon during Trump and Xi’s last meeting in South Korea in October.
Security measures in Beijing were visibly tightened ahead of the summit, with police monitoring major intersections and checking passengers’ identification cards at metro stations, according to AFP journalists.
“It’s definitely a big deal,” said 24-year-old Wen Wen from Nanjing, expressing hope that both countries could ensure “lasting peace” despite recent global instability.
Trump has repeatedly emphasised his personal relationship with Xi, claiming on Monday that it would help prevent any Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
“I think we’ll be fine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi. He knows I don’t want that to happen,” he said.
The visit is being closely watched by Taiwan and US allies in Asia for any indication of weakening American support, while China also faces economic uncertainty due to weak domestic spending and an ongoing property sector debt crisis.
