Beijing, China, May 13 (V7N) – US President Donald Trump is set to visit China for the first time in nine years, as diplomatic attention focuses on trade relations and global economic stability amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
Air Force One carrying Trump departed from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for Beijing on Tuesday. White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the US president will receive a formal state welcome upon arrival in the Chinese capital on Wednesday.
A bilateral meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for Thursday, followed by Trump’s visit to the historic Temple of Heaven and attendance at a state banquet hosted by Xi.
The visit includes a high-profile US business delegation featuring Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Kelly Ortberg and Larry Culp, according to White House sources.
Trump’s last meeting with Xi took place at an air base in South Korea, where the US president temporarily suspended triple-digit tariffs on Chinese imports following brief talks.
The South China Morning Post described the latest visit as highly significant, saying it could help ease tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Security measures across Beijing have been significantly tightened ahead of Trump’s arrival, with major locations, including Tiananmen Square, undergoing extensive preparations.
Analysts say the visit could shape the future direction of long-term relations between Washington and Beijing at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty.
China is also facing economic pressure from rising global oil prices linked to the Iran war, with increased energy costs reportedly driving production expenses higher. Beijing has repeatedly expressed concern over the conflict’s impact on economic stability and global trade.
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