Donald Trump entered the final phase of high-level talks with Xi Jinping on Friday, promoting what he described as major economic gains while Beijing delivered fresh warnings over Taiwan and criticised the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The summit marks the first visit by a U.S. president to China since 2017 and comes at a politically sensitive moment for Trump ahead of crucial midterm elections in the United States.
“We’ve made some fantastic trade deals, great for both countries,” Trump said during meetings at the Zhongnanhai leadership complex in Beijing.
The two leaders reportedly held extended discussions on trade, energy security and geopolitical tensions, while also engaging in symbolic diplomatic gestures during a private lunch and informal walk through the compound gardens.
China Raises Concerns Over Iran and Taiwan
Despite the cordial tone of the meetings, China’s foreign ministry issued a firm statement criticising the Iran war and warning of its consequences for global energy markets.
“This conflict, which should never have happened, has no reason to continue,” the ministry stated, adding that Beijing supports diplomatic efforts to end the crisis.
The conflict has disrupted global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that carries around one-fifth of global energy supplies during normal conditions.
Trump acknowledged that Iran featured in discussions with Xi, saying both sides held “very similar” views, although the Chinese leader did not publicly comment on the issue.
Trade and Energy Dominate Discussions
The White House indicated that the talks also focused heavily on trade and long-term energy cooperation.
U.S. officials said the two countries discussed reopening trade channels and stabilising global supply chains at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
According to a brief U.S. summary of the talks, Xi also expressed interest in increasing purchases of American oil as China seeks to reduce its dependence on Middle Eastern energy imports.
Analysts, however, remain uncertain about how far Beijing will go in pressuring Iran, which China considers an important strategic partner in balancing U.S. influence globally.
The meetings also come amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan, with Beijing continuing to warn Washington against expanding military and political support for the island.
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