April 11, Kathmandu – For the first time in nearly nine years, a U.S. president is preparing for an official state visit to China. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that President Donald Trump will be in China from May 13 to 15. This visit is considered highly significant amid ongoing conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, and concerns about the global energy supply. Originally scheduled for March, the trip was postponed due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly outlined Trump’s itinerary: He is expected to arrive in Beijing on the evening of Wednesday, May 13. A grand welcoming ceremony will be held on Thursday, followed by bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping. That same day, Trump will visit the Temple of Heaven and attend a state banquet. On Friday, the two leaders will hold a discussion over tea and a working lunch. There is also potential for President Xi to visit the United States later this year.
What Are the Main Topics on the Agenda? U.S. officials have downplayed the likelihood of any major Chinese investment announcements during the visit. However, indications suggest potential agreements in aerospace, agriculture, and energy sectors. Prominent American CEOs such as Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman and Citigroup’s Jane Fraser will accompany Trump.
Prior to the visit, final-stage talks between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will take place in South Korea on May 12 and 13, aiming to ease trade tensions. In addition to economic and trade issues, the ongoing conflict involving Iran will be a significant discussion point, as the struggle with Iran forms a critical backdrop to the visit.
China has already emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital commercial shipping routes and has declared that blockades there would be unacceptable. Furthermore, the Taiwan issue and arms sales will feature prominently. The Taiwan matter will be central to discussions between Trump and Xi, with U.S. officials reiterating no changes to America’s policy toward Taiwan. The Trump administration has signaled its intention to continue arms sales to Taiwan despite Chinese pressure.
Additionally, preliminary talks on artificial intelligence technology cooperation will be initiated, with prospects of establishing communication channels between the two countries in this field.
Analysts highlight that, due to diplomatic challenges and mutual misunderstandings, both sides are entering this summit without fully comprehending each other. China reportedly holds a strong belief in America’s decline, whereas U.S. officials are thought to misunderstand China’s resilience and are overly optimistic that high-level talks will prompt Beijing to make concessions. A decline in China experts within the U.S. has also weakened Washington’s diplomatic preparedness, according to analysts. (With agency contributions)
