Trump lands in Beijing for high-stakes Xi summit as Taiwan tensions, trade disputes test US strength
President Donald Trump has landed in Beijing for high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping as tensions over Taiwan, trade disputes and questions about U.S. strength shape a critical diplomatic visit.
Trump confirms Nvidia's Huang has seat on Air Force One for economic superpower summit
President Donald Trump issued a rebuke for fake news suggesting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is not traveling with him to China aboard Air Force One, pushing back on a report that Huang had not been invited to join the high-profile business delegation.
“CNBC incorrectly reported that the Great Jensen Huang, of Nvidia, was not invited,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, saying Huang was “currently on Air Force One” and joking that he would remain there “unless I ask him to leave, which is highly unlikely.”
"Jensen is attending the summit at the invitation of President Trump to support America and the administration's goals,” a Nvidia spokesman confirmed to Fox Business.
Trump's post came listed the roster of top U.S. executives that includes: Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, Cargill CEO Brian Sikes, Citi CEO Jane Fraser, GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon.
Trump said he plans to ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to “open up” China to American business leaders, calling Xi “a Leader of extraordinary distinction” and saying it would be his “very first request” when the two meet.
Huang’s presence is particularly significant because Nvidia sits at the center of the global AI race and has been caught between U.S. export controls and Chinese demand for advanced semiconductors.
The president framed the trip as a chance to expand access for U.S. companies in China, saying the executives traveling with him could “work their magic” and help raise economic ties between the two countries.
“I have never seen or heard of any idea that would be more beneficial to our incredible Countries,” Trump wrote.
Fox Business' Elise Oggioni contributed to this report.
Trump's Air Force One delegation touches down in Beijing at 7:51 am ET
Air Force One touches down in Beijing, China at around 7:51 a.m. ET (Wednesday morning U.S. time and Thursday morning in China) at Beijing Capital International Airport.
The plane taxied for around eight minutes before doors opened to prep for the official red-carpet arrival.
President Donald Trump will be greeted by Chinese Vice President H.E. Han Zheng, along with U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S H.E. Xie Feng and Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ma Zhaoxu.
China getting oil out of Strait of Hormuz before Trump-Xi summit
A Chinese supertanker — carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude — was one of two vessels that crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
Yuan Hua Hu is now the third known passage by a Chinese oil tanker through the strait since the start of the conflict.
Zelenskyy urges Trump to press China toward pushing Russia toward peace
While trade and the global economy might be higher priorities for President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is hoping to remain on the agenda, too.
Zelenskyy said Wednesday he hoped that Trump will discuss ending the war in Ukraine during his visit to China.
Ukraine has repeatedly urged China, which has close ties with Russia, to play a bigger role in bringing peace closer.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Trump to call on Xi to 'open up' China in summit to test trade, strength and peace
President Donald Trump is going to be pressing Chinese President Xi Jinping to "open up China" to more American trade.
“I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic, and help bring the People’s Republic to an even higher level!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, previewing what he said would be his “very first request” when the two leaders meet.
Trump suggested that American entrepreneurs and executives could help drive growth inside China if Beijing lowers barriers and allows U.S. firms more room to operate.
China has tightened its grip on key supply chains, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing, while the United States has sought to protect its lead in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and defense technology.
The Taiwan question remains one of the most sensitive issues on the table. Any discussion of arms sales, military posture or Taiwan’s role in the global semiconductor industry could quickly overshadow trade pledges. Beijing has long treated Taiwan as a red line, while Washington has maintained security and economic ties with the island.
The Iran war also hangs over the talks. Reports ahead of the summit said the conflict and its effect on energy markets, inflation and global stability are expected to be part of the discussions.
President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the world’s two largest powers prepare to negotiate about Taiwan, trade and a fragile U.S.-China relationship increasingly shaped by military tension and economic rivalry.
The meeting comes at a volatile moment for Washington, as a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran faces mounting strain following recent military exchanges in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump is expected to press Xi on China’s economic and strategic support for both Iran and Russia, including oil revenue, dual-use components and potential weapons transfers, according to senior administration officials.
Top U.S. business leaders also are traveling with Trump to Beijing, including executives from Apple, Boeing, Tesla, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs, highlighting the administration’s focus on securing economic deals alongside strategic talks.
This is an excerpt from Morgan Phillips report. Get the full story here.
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