Trump and Xi Jinping Hold Bilateral Summit in Beijing, Discuss Trade, Fentanyl and Middle East Stability

President Donald Trump formally invited President Xi Jinping to visit the White House in September during a state banquet on May 14, 2026, in Beijing. Trump proposed a toast at the dinner, which both leaders attended at the Great Hall of the People.

The invitation came on the second day of a two-day bilateral summit that began when Trump arrived at Beijing International Airport on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Roughly 300 Chinese youths and a military honor guard greeted him upon arrival. Trump has referred to Xi as a "gentleman" during interactions with the press in Beijing. " While escorting Trump into the Great Hall of the People, Xi gestured toward the site of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre.

The two leaders spoke briefly as Xi pointed, though reporters could not hear the exchange. The White House issued a readout stating that Trump had a good meeting with Xi.

U.S. Industries. Leaders from many of the United States’ largest companies joined a portion of the Trump-Xi meeting. The presidents highlighted the need to build on progress in ending the flow of fentanyl precursors into the United States and increasing Chinese purchases of American agricultural products.

Both sides agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy. Xi made clear China’s opposition to the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz and any effort to charge a toll for its use. Xi expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.