Trump and Xi Discuss Taiwan, Trade and Iran at Beijing Summit

Trump told Xi, "You're a great leader. Sometimes people don't like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it's true. " He added that the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before. Xi responded by stating that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.

According to a post on X by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, Xi said if the issue is handled properly the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability, otherwise the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts. Xi expressed hope that the two countries can transcend the Thucydides Trap and forge a new model for relations between major powers.

He added that cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation harms both and that the two countries should be partners rather than rivals. After the meeting Xi took Trump on a tour of the Temple of Heaven and hosted a state banquet. In his evening toast Xi noted that he and Trump had kept U.S.-China relations generally stable in a turbulent world.

He said achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand. Trump called Xi "my friend" in his toast and described the day as a great honor punctuated by a fantastic day. He said matters all good for the United States and China were discussed.

Trump also announced that Xi would visit the White House on Sept. 24.

The White House said the leaders touched on ways to enhance economic cooperation including expanding market access for American businesses in China and increasing Chinese investment into U.S. industries. They discussed trade with Xi saying that China's door of opportunity will open wider.

The two sides also addressed stemming the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States and increasing Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products. The White House has indicated that announcements on trade could follow including possible Chinese commitments to buy U.S. soybeans, beef and aircraft.

The leaders discussed extending last year's trade truce that calmed threats to impose steep tariffs. Officials also want to work toward establishing a Board of Trade with China to address commercial differences.

Xi's statements on Taiwan reflect China's displeasure with a U.S. plan to sell weapons to the island. The Trump administration has approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan but has yet to begin fulfilling it. Taiwan said after the meeting that it was grateful for Washington's long-term support.

Michelle Lee, a spokesperson for Taiwan's premier, told reporters that the government views all actions that contribute to regional stability and the management of potential risks from authoritarian expansion positively.

The White House readout said both sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. The strait is a crucial waterway for oil and natural gas whose closure has stranded tankers and caused energy prices to spike. The White House said Xi opposed any implementation of tolls on vessels crossing the strait and expressed interest in China potentially purchasing more U.S. oil to reduce dependence on Gulf oil.

It is not clear whether Trump persuaded Xi to exert influence on Iran.