Trump and Xi started talks in Beijing

The USA and China had a “fantastic” future together, Trump said at the beginning of the talks. US President Donald Trump lpraised his host as a “great leader.” Xi Jinping in turn, said he is convinced that the common interests between the US and China are greater than the differences.

Xi raised the question of whether China and the US could create a “new model for great power relations.” He mentioned the “Thucydides Trap,” named after a historian of ancient Greece. This refers to the danger that a rising power and an established leading power get into a dangerous rivalry. “Sometimes people don’t like it when I say it, but I say it anyway because it’s true,” Trump said. “It’s an honor to be your friend.”

State banquet in China for Trump

Government representatives from both sides also sat at the long negotiating table at the first meeting between Trump and Xi. In the evening, Xi wants to receive the US President at a state banquet. Trump is traveling back on Friday.

Xi Jinping had previously received Donald Trump in Beijing with military honors. As a greeting, both shook hands for a longer time at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of the Chinese capital. There were also company representatives such as: Apple-Chef Tim Cook and Tesla founder Elon Musk as well as government members such as finance ministers Scott BessantForeign Minister Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Afterwards, both welcomed the government representatives of the other side. They also walked in military formation during the welcoming ceremony. Trump also applauded children who cheerfully held up small US flags and flowers. Important global issues are on the agenda, and a state banquet is planned for the evening.

Trade, Iran war and Taiwan question as topics

The topics of discussion should range from international trade to… Iran war to the Taiwan question enough, it was said in advance. An afternoon tea and a working lunch are planned on Friday before the US President begins his journey home. It is the first visit by a US president to China in almost a decade. Trump had already visited the People’s Republic during his first term in office in 2017. The US President arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his visit.

Trump and Xi last met at the end of October ahead of a summit in South Korea met and agreed a break in the ongoing customs dispute. Trade issues are likely to be a topic again in their discussions today. China is also likely to criticize US support for the independent and democratically governed island republic of Taiwan, which Beijing wants to incorporate. China’s support for Iran and Beijing’s possible influence on Tehran are likely to be an important concern for the USA.

State agency calls for stable relationships

Shortly before the start of the meeting, China’s state news agency demanded Xinhua stable relationships. One comment said that China-US relations were “too important to fail.” On major international issues – from trade and financial markets to climate and artificial intelligence – coordination between Beijing and Washington is important.

One meeting will not solve all problems, wrote Xinhuawhich is considered the mouthpiece of the Communist Party. But it could help to strengthen communication and rebuild trust. The US President arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his visit.

Rubio: China ‘most important relationship we need to maintain’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously described China as the biggest geopolitical challenge for his country. At the same time, it is “the most important relationship that we have to maintain,” he told the broadcaster Fox News on board the government plane Air Force One on the way to Beijing. China is a “big, powerful country,” said Rubio. He spoke of conflicting interests between the two countries without giving details. He said that “in order to avoid wars and maintain peace and stability in the world,” these interests must be reconciled.

The US has already made it clear to China that any support for Iran would “obviously” harm its relationship with the United States. This is also an aspect that will be discussed in the talks in Beijing.

China is one of the most important Iran’s partner countrieswhich it supports economically. This is not viewed favorably in Washington: The US Treasury Department has recently imposed sanctions on several occasions against Chinese companies that, according to the US, are carrying out illicit trade with Iran.

Strait of Hormuz must “remain open”

According to the White House, Trump and Xi also agree that the Strait of Hormuz must “stay open”. At their meeting in Beijing, both heads of state agreed that this should support the “free flow of energy,” said the White House.

Tehran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, which is important for global oil and gas trade, as a result of the Iran war.