Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump began a high-stakes two-day summit in Beijing with both leaders expressing optimism about improving trade relations and easing global tensions.
At the opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People, Xi said recent negotiations between Chinese and American trade officials had produced a positive and balanced outcome. He emphasized that cooperation benefits both nations, while confrontation harms their economies and the broader international community.
Trump praised Xi and described the meeting as potentially the biggest summit ever. He said the relationship between the United States and China could become stronger than ever if both countries continue to work together.
The summit marks the first visit by a US president to China since 2017. Trade remains the central focus, with Washington seeking increased Chinese purchases of Boeing aircraft, energy products, and agricultural goods. Beijing, meanwhile, wants the United States to ease restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology and chipmaking equipment.
Several top business leaders joined Trump in Beijing, including Elon Musk, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, and Tim Cook of Apple.
In addition to trade, the leaders are expected to discuss the conflict involving Iran and US arms sales to Taiwan. Analysts say both governments are eager to preserve the trade truce reached last year and establish new channels for investment and cooperation in artificial intelligence.
The outcome of this summit could shape global trade and diplomacy for years to come.
