Trump and Xi Establish Strategic Stability Framework in Beijing

President Donald Trump conducted a state visit to Beijing from May 13 to 15, 2026, marking the first visit by a U.S. president to China since 2017. The summit, which followed a delay caused by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, resulted in a new vision for a constructive relationship of strategic stability intended to guide bilateral ties for the next three years. The leaders agreed to establish a Board of Trade and a Board of Investment to manage non-sensitive goods and investment issues, including reciprocal tariff reductions on approximately $30 billion of products.

Economic agreements included a Chinese commitment to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft and at least $17 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually through 2028. China also restored market access for over 400 U.S. beef facilities and resumed poultry imports. On security, both leaders agreed that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for energy flow. Trump reported that Xi pledged not to provide military equipment to Iran.

Despite the cordial public atmosphere, significant tensions persisted over Taiwan. President Xi warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to clashes or conflict, characterizing it as the most critical issue in the relationship. Trump subsequently described a pending $14 billion arms package for Taiwan as a "negotiating chip" and cautioned Taiwan against pursuing formal independence. The visit concluded with a rare tour of the Zhongnanhai compound and an invitation for President Xi to visit the White House in September.