US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday for a summit packed with symbolism and strain. Xi welcomed Trump at the Great Hall of the People, where the two leaders stood together as military bands played the US and Chinese national anthems and cannons fired. Schoolchildren waving both countries’ flags greeted the pair during the formal ceremony.

Trump arrived in Beijing late Wednesday for the two-day visit, his first trip to China since 2017. He was accompanied by senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, as well as top business figures, including Nvidia chief Jensen Huang and Tesla boss Elon Musk.

Trade, Iran and Taiwan top the agenda

The summit comes at a fragile moment in US-China relations. Trade remains one of the biggest flashpoints after last year’s tariff escalation triggered levies above 100% on both sides. Trump and Xi are expected to discuss extending the one-year tariff truce they reached in South Korea in October 2025, though there is no sign of an easy breakthrough.

Iran is another major issue. Trump said he expected a long discussion with Xi about Iran, while Rubio said Washington wants Beijing to play a more active role as tension in the Persian Gulf continues. China’s economic ties to Iran, especially around oil, give the matter extra weight in the talks.

Taiwan is also hanging over the summit. Trump said earlier this week he would raise US arms sales to the self-governing island, which China claims as its own. Xi, in turn, warned that Taiwan remains the most sensitive issue in US-China ties and that mishandling it could bring serious confrontation.

Both leaders want wins, but tensions run deep

The two sides are also expected to discuss rare earths, artificial intelligence and wider economic co-operation. Trump is looking for business wins and a firm date for Xi's possible return visit to the United States later this year. Xi is trying to steady ties while defending China’s strategic red lines.

For now, the mood in Beijing is polished, but the stakes are real. Behind the ceremony, both leaders are trying to manage one of the world’s most consequential rivalries without letting it tip into something worse.