Hurt by Iran war fallout, Trump heads to China seeking wins

BEIJING, China — United States President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping this week in Beijing as both leaders attempt to stabilize relations strained by trade disputes, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The May 14 to 15 summit marks the first formal meeting between Trump and Xi since both countries agreed in October to temporarily pause a damaging trade war that disrupted global markets and supply chains.

Political analysts said expectations for the meeting have become more modest compared to Trump’s earlier promises that steep tariffs would pressure China into major concessions. Instead, discussions are now expected to focus on limited trade agreements involving U.S. agricultural products, beef exports, and Boeing aircraft sales, along with mechanisms to prevent further escalation in economic tensions.

Alejandro Reyes, a professor specializing in Chinese foreign policy at the University of Hong Kong, said Trump enters the talks needing diplomatic progress amid mounting domestic and international challenges.

“He needs a foreign policy victory that demonstrates stability rather than disruption,” Reyes said.

Since the previous Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea, China has strengthened its economic leverage against Washington, particularly through tighter controls on rare earth exports that are critical to industries such as electric vehicles, electronics, and defense manufacturing.

At the same time, Trump has faced domestic political pressure over U.S. court rulings challenging his tariff policies and public criticism surrounding the Iran conflict, which surveys indicate has negatively affected his approval ratings ahead of the November midterm elections.

The Beijing summit is expected to include ceremonial engagements at the Great Hall of the People, a state banquet, and visits to cultural landmarks including the Temple of Heaven.

Trump will also be accompanied by several American business leaders, including executives from Tesla and Apple, although the delegation is reportedly smaller than during his 2017 visit to China.

Beyond trade, Trump said he plans to discuss U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, the detention of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, and the cases of American citizens imprisoned in China.

The meeting also comes amid growing concerns over the Iran conflict. Analysts said Trump is expected to seek China’s assistance in encouraging Tehran to negotiate with Washington to help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

China remains one of Iran’s major oil buyers and maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Tehran.

Observers noted that Taiwan will likely remain a major issue for Beijing during the talks. Chinese officials are reportedly seeking assurances that Washington will not support Taiwanese independence or adopt policies viewed as encouraging separatist movements.

Analysts also said Beijing wants the United States to ease technology restrictions, particularly export controls affecting advanced semiconductor equipment and memory chips.

In recent months, China has expanded legal and regulatory measures aimed at strengthening its position in global supply chains, including policies targeting companies relocating manufacturing operations outside the country.

Despite continuing tensions, recent polling from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs showed increasing American support for cooperative engagement with China, with 53 percent favoring diplomatic and economic cooperation compared to 40 percent in 2024.

Scott Kennedy of the Center for Strategic and International Studies said the most likely outcome of the summit would be a temporary easing of tensions rather than a major breakthrough.

“The probable result is a superficial ceasefire that largely benefits China,” Kennedy said.