Author: Al Jazeera
Published on: 13/05/2026 | 00:00:00
AI Summary:
Trump-Xi summit takes place in Beijing as world’s two largest economies face growing tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan and the Iran war. Trump will be the first US leader to visit China in nearly a decade, while the talks also come at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Originally expected earlier this year, the meeting was delayed by the war on Iran. The United States still relies heavily on China’s manufacturing capacity and low-cost production. China depends on access to US consumers, technology, capital markets and the wider stability of the dollar-centred global economy. Taiwan is also likely to remain one of the most sensitive and contested issues at the summit. Trump has also said he plans to raise the case of Jimmy Lai. Beyond bilateral disputes, the two leaders are also expected to discuss the war on Iran, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the growing risks linked to artificial intelligence. About half of China’s crude oil imports come from the Middle East, while disruptions in the Gulf have left commercial shipping vulnerable to attacks and delays. Experts say Iran may be one of the few areas where US and Chinese interests overlap. China wants shipping through the Strait of Hormuz restored, but Poling argued the diplomatic and strategic pressure created by the disruption is falling far more heavily on Washington. Analysts say Taiwan will be paying close attention to what Trump and Xi say publicly after the summit. Beijing is likely to push for limits on US arms sales and stronger political restrictions on Taiwan. Taipei fears it could become part of a broader geopolitical bargain between Washington and Beijing. Success would mean preserving stability without appearing to bow to Washington, Regilme said. He said a limited agreement is more likely, potentially involving tariff pauses, purchase commitments or rare earth arrangements.
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