Donald Trump visits Xi Jinping in first trip by a sitting US president to China in nearly a decade.

Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, marking the first visit by a US president to China in nearly a decade, as he seeks to advance trade discussions despite potential tensions over Taiwan and Iran.

Trump departed Washington on Tuesday, saying he expected a “long talk” with Xi Jinping, particularly on Iran, which remains a key buyer of sanctioned oil via China.

He downplayed the likelihood of major disagreements, describing Xi as “relatively good,” and said the two sides would ultimately “win it peacefully or otherwise” in relation to Iran.

In a separate development, China’s foreign minister urged Pakistan to play a mediation role in easing tensions between Iran and the United States, including efforts linked to the Strait of Hormuz, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry.

The trip, Trump’s first to China since 2017, will include high-level talks with Xi over two days, alongside a state banquet and official reception.

Trump also said he intended to discuss US arms sales to Taiwan, a self-governed territory claimed by China, marking a shift from the traditional US stance of avoiding consultations with Beijing on its support for the island.

Trade relations, rare earth exports and broader economic disputes between the world’s two largest economies are also expected to feature prominently in the talks.

The visit comes amid heightened scrutiny in Beijing, with increased security presence reported across the capital.

A number of US business leaders, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook, are also accompanying the delegation, underscoring the economic focus of the trip.

Analysts say the summit takes place against the backdrop of China’s economic challenges and ongoing geopolitical tensions, including issues linked to Iran and US sanctions policy. — AFP