US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a high-level summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump landed at Beijing Capital International Airport aboard Air Force One after a long flight from Washington, D.C. marking the first visit to China by a US president in nearly a decade.
Major issues expected to dominate the talks include tensions over Iran trade disputes and Taiwan.
The summit had earlier been delayed from March because of the Middle East conflict involving Iran.
Trump appeared focused on business and technology cooperation as Jensen Huang chief executive of Nvidia and Elon Musk of Tesla travelled with the presidential delegation.
China remains restricted from buying Nvidia’s advanced chips under US export controls introduced over national security concerns.
Before arriving in Beijing Trump said he would ask Xi Jinping to open China further for American technology and business innovation.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold formal talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing followed by a state banquet. Additional meetings including a working lunch are also planned before Trump returns to the United States.
Before leaving the White House Trump said he expected lengthy discussions with Xi on the Iran conflict and regional stability. He however said he did not believe Washington needed Beijing’s help regarding Iran.
China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Trump’s visit and said Beijing is ready to expand cooperation and manage differences with the United States.
Trade tensions are also expected to remain a major issue after both countries imposed tariffs exceeding 100 percent during the trade war triggered by Trump’s tariff policies last year.
Trump and Xi are expected to discuss extending a one-year tariff truce reached during their previous meeting in South Korea in October.
Other key issues likely to be discussed include China’s controls on rare earth exports agriculture trade and US arms sales to Taiwan.
Security measures were tightened across Beijing ahead of the summit with increased police presence and identity checks reported in different parts of the city.
Trump’s visit is being closely watched by Taiwan and US allies in Asia for any sign of changes in Washington’s support toward the self-governed island claimed by China.
