The two-day meeting comes as Washington struggles to contain the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has entered its third month and threatens to overshadow broader talks on trade, technology and regional security.
Trump will be accompanied by a delegation of prominent US business leaders, including Tesla chief Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, underscoring the economic focus of the visit despite rising geopolitical tensions.
Reports suggest the trip could include the announcement of a major order for 500 Boeing 737 Max aircraft and discussions on a new bilateral trade framework.
The Iran conflict remains central to the talks. US officials have reportedly urged Beijing to use its influence over Tehran to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route partially disrupted by the war.
China, Iran’s largest oil customer, has called for stability while criticising recent US sanctions on Chinese firms accused of aiding Iranian oil exports.
Trump dismissed suggestions that Washington needed Beijing’s help in dealing with Iran, telling reporters before departing the White House: “We’ll win it one way or the other, peacefully or otherwise.” He also described Xi as “relatively good” during the crisis.
The summit is expected to address several sensitive issues, including Taiwan, artificial intelligence and ongoing trade disputes. Trump recently indicated he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, prompting concerns that Washington could soften its longstanding support for the self-governing island in exchange for Chinese cooperation on Iran.
China enters the meeting from a position of relative strength, analysts say, with the US facing mounting international pressure over the Middle East conflict. Still, both sides appear keen to preserve a fragile tariff truce reached last year and avoid a further deterioration in relations.
The summit itinerary includes private meetings, a state banquet and a visit to Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven. Security across the Chinese capital has been significantly tightened ahead of Trump’s arrival.
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