BEIJING, May 14: Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump held high-level talks in Beijing aimed at stabilizing strained US–China relations. The two-day summit, which included a roughly two-hour closed-door meeting on Thursday, focused on preventing further deterioration in ties rather than producing major breakthroughs.
Both sides acknowledged that deep disagreements remain on key issues including trade, technology restrictions, the Iran conflict, and especially Taiwan.
While Trump emphasized economic cooperation and sought increased Chinese purchases of US agricultural goods and aircraft, Xi reiterated that China’s market would continue opening to American businesses.
Discussions also included efforts to create mechanisms to manage trade disputes and avoid another tariff-driven trade war.
Taiwan was the most sensitive topic. Xi warned that US–China relations would remain stable only if Taiwan is handled properly, adding that mishandling the issue could lead to “clashes and even conflicts.”
Trump previously approved a major arms package for Taiwan, though it has not yet been delivered. Analysts suggested Xi’s strong wording indicated no major US concessions were made on the issue.
The summit also touched on the Iran conflict, with Trump hoping China could use its influence to pressure Tehran toward US demands and help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. However, expectations for Chinese intervention were limited going into the talks.
Despite tensions, both leaders publicly emphasized cooperation. Xi described US–China relations as the world’s most important bilateral relationship, urging both countries to act as partners rather than rivals.
Trump called the meetings “extremely positive” and praised China’s hospitality, while inviting Xi to visit the White House in September. Officials also suggested the two leaders could meet up to four times in 2026.
The summit included symbolic diplomacy, including a state banquet attended by business leaders and tech figures such as Elon Musk.
Discussions reflected cautious optimism but confirmed that major geopolitical disputes remain unresolved, with Taiwan continuing to be the central point of tension.
Iran lets Chinese vessels pass as China supports opening Hormuz
Iran has allowed Chinese ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, easing tensions over the key global oil route during US-China talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
Reports say about 30 Chinese vessels were cleared to transit under Iranian naval protocols, as Tehran maintained control of the strategic waterway. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait remains open for commercial shipping if vessels cooperate with Iranian forces.
The development comes as Trump and Xi discussed keeping the strait open for energy flows. China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, has urged stability in the region, while Iran’s past restrictions had previously disrupted global shipping and heightened energy security concerns worldwide. (PTI)
