tariffs on chinese goods

As President Trump arrives in Beijing, anticipation runs low for any breakthroughs regarding China's influence over Iran and the vital Strait of Hormuz. His agenda includes discussions on trade and the pressing issue of fentanyl, yet underlying tensions over their differing views on geopolitical conflicts threaten to overshadow these talks.

President Donald Trump is set to visit China from May 13-15 for talks with President Xi Jinping, focusing on easing trade tensions and discussing Iran. Broader issues like tariffs and Taiwan are also on the agenda. The visit aims to rebalance the relationship, prioritizing reciprocity and fairness for American economic independence.

All eyes in Beijing from tomorrow as Xi, Trump navigate trade, tech and geopolitical whirlpools

Presidents Xi and Trump are set for a crucial summit, aiming for stability despite deep-seated issues like tech rivalry and Taiwan. While a trade deal might emerge, it won't end the underlying friction. China's focus on domestic chip production and its stance on Taiwan, deemed the 'biggest risk,' will also be key discussion points. The US may also expect China's mediation in ending the Iranian mess.

This week, US President Donald Trump will embark on a pivotal journey to China, where his host expects 'more stability' in terms of trade disputes and the turbulence in the Middle East. A day before his visit, key economic advisers and trade negotiators will meet in Seoul to finalise critically important negotiations.

President Trump's visit to China is overshadowed by the Iran War, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted his approval ratings. While trade and Taiwan remain on the agenda, the protracted conflict in Iran presents a significant challenge, with the US struggling to achieve its war aims and facing a decline in superpower status.

During his recent trip to Beijing, President Trump showcased a willingness to engage in conversations about US arms sales to Taiwan, confident that his personal bond with Xi Jinping would act as a buffer against any potential Chinese aggression. The visit, primarily focused on enhancing trade relations, also included key American business leaders.

US President Trump expressed optimism for his upcoming visit to China and meeting with President Xi Jinping, anticipating positive outcomes for both nations. Accompanied by prominent business leaders, Trump aims to discuss trade, Iran, tariffs, and AI, seeking to strengthen US economic and national security interests.

China's economic recovery is facing headwinds as factories slow and consumer spending falters, with April data revealing a significant slowdown. Weak domestic demand, coupled with a challenging global environment marked by geopolitical conflicts and rising energy costs, is squeezing growth. While exports remain strong, they are insufficient to offset internal weaknesses, prompting concerns about the need for further policy support.

President Trump revealed the US seized a ship carrying "not very nice" items, calling it a "gift from China." He linked this to Iran tensions, threatening to bomb bridges and expressing no desire to extend the Iran ceasefire. Trump anticipates a "great deal" but also expects bombing, despite China denying weapon supplies to Iran.

New Delhi called the remarks “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste” after the US president endorsed an anti-India statement by American radio host Michael Savage, a move that has also triggered widespread backlash among Indian-Americans

America's massive AI spending is indirectly benefiting China, despite US efforts to restrict its tech access. While Taiwan and South Korea lead in advanced chips, China gains from its role in regional supply chains, exporting components like circuit boards. However, this upside is limited as US-China tech decoupling deepens, potentially reconfiguring supply chains.

President Trump claims China is pleased with his decision to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz, stating he's acting for their benefit and the world's. He asserts China has agreed to cease weapon shipments to Iran and anticipates a warm reception from President Xi during an upcoming visit, highlighting smart cooperation over conflict.

The White House denied formally requesting a ceasefire extension with Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements. While cautiously optimistic about a deal, the US has made its "red lines" clear. Meanwhile, Pakistan's army chief visited Tehran with a potential new framework for talks, following previous negotiations that stalled over key issues like Iran's nuclear program.

Pakistan, Iran and the US all acknowledged China's role in enabling a last-minute US-Iran ceasefire.

The United States recently repatriated a Chinese national suspected of drug trafficking, a "first" such return in recent years, Beijing's public security ministry said on Friday. "This is the first drug-related fugitive repatriated by the United States to China in recent years, marking a new achievement in China-US cooperation on anti-drug law enforcement", Beijing's Ministry of Public Security said in a statement on social media.

Vietnam Communist Party boss To Lam was elected president by the National Assembly on Tuesday, capping his bid to centralise authority in a nation where senior cadres have traditionally governed collectively. It has "transitioned the country's leadership from a consensus-based collective model to a strongman leadership style," he told AFP. Tran Thanh Man, chairman of the National Assembly, said 100 percent of deputies who were present approved the resolution electing Lam president for the 2026-2031 term.