WASHINGTON, D.C., May 12: Global attention is expected to shift to Asia this week as US President Donald Trump prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during a three-day official visit to China focused on trade, regional security, and ongoing tensions in West Asia.
According to the schedule released by the White House on Tuesday (local time), Trump will travel to China from May 13 to May 15 and is scheduled to hold formal bilateral talks with Xi Jinping on May 14 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The visit comes as Washington continues efforts to negotiate a broader agreement with Iran aimed at ending hostilities and stabilising the region.
As per the official itinerary, Trump will depart Washington on May 12 and arrive in Beijing on May 13 for a series of high-level diplomatic engagements.
On May 14, the US President will participate in an official welcome ceremony with Chinese President Xi Jinping, followed by bilateral meetings between the two leaders.
Later that evening, Trump is expected to attend a state banquet hosted by the Chinese government in honor of the visiting American delegation at the Great Hall of the People.
US officials indicated that the ongoing Iran conflict is likely to feature prominently in discussions, given Beijing’s close diplomatic and economic ties with Tehran.
China has repeatedly advocated diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran and has increasingly sought to position itself as a mediator in regional tensions.
Senior US officials stated that Trump and Xi have previously discussed Iran as well as Russia, including concerns over Chinese revenue flows potentially supporting components and weapons exports linked to both countries.
On May 15, the two leaders are expected to continue diplomatic engagements with a formal greeting ceremony, friendship photo session, bilateral tea meeting, and working lunch.
Following the conclusion of his engagements in Beijing, Trump is scheduled to return to Washington later the same day.
Ahead of the visit, Trump expressed optimism about the trip and his meeting with Xi Jinping.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am very much looking forward to my trip to China, an amazing Country, with a Leader, President Xi, respected by all. Great things will happen for both Countries!”
Meanwhile, Chinese state-run publication China Daily described the visit as a key opportunity to stabilise relations between the world’s two largest economies amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
In an editorial titled “Head-of-state diplomacy opportunity to stabilise and refine China-US relations,” the publication stated that the upcoming visit presents “a cherished opportunity to help stabilise and refine China-US relations at a time of growing global uncertainty.” (ANI)
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