Presidents expected to discuss the Iran war, trade, tech and Taiwan, among other points of contention
SCMP ReportersPublished: 9:30am, 14 May 2026Updated: 9:33am, 14 May 20260 New UpdateIntroductionThis live article is freely available to our registered users. Please log in or create an account below.
US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping today for a much-anticipated summit that could shape the next stage of rivalry between the world’s two superpowers.
It is the first visit to China by a US president since Trump’s last trip in 2017 and comes amid growing economic and geopolitical uncertainties arising from conflicts in the Middle East and the subsequent global energy shock that has taken a toll, particularly in Asia.
Xi and Trump are expected to discuss the war on Iran, trade, technology and Taiwan, among other points of contention during the two-day visit.
The stakes appeared to be higher for Trump, who is seeking trade concessions and Beijing’s support for ending the war in Iran to present to American voters ahead of the crucial midterm elections in November.
Amid hopes the summit will provide stability to one of the world’s most consequential relationships, the talks may set the tone for future engagement between the two leaders.
Reporting by Mark Magnier, Laura Zhou, Cao Jiaxuan and Fan Chen
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