Trump China Visit Live Updates: 'We'll be back', Trump boards Air Force One as high-stakes China visit concludes
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  • Trump China Visit Live Updates: 'We'll be back', Trump boards Air Force One as high-stakes China visit concludes
THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 15, 2026, 12:51:11 IST
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Trump China Visit Live Updates: 'We'll be back', Trump boards Air Force One as high-stakes China visit concludes

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Thursday for high-stakes talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as tensions over Iran, Taiwan, trade and technology continue to shape relations between the world’s two biggest economies. While both sides projected warmth and stability in public, major disagreements remained unresolved behind closed doors.

Xi welcomed Trump at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People with a lavish state ceremony that included a military band, a 21-gun salute and crowds of schoolchildren waving Chinese and American flags. Trump praised Xi during the visit, calling him “a great leader” and saying relations between Washington and Beijing could become “better than ever before”.

However, the cordial atmosphere contrasted sharply with the warnings issued by the Chinese president over Taiwan. According to Chinese state media, Xi told Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push both countries towards “clashes and even conflict”. The remarks came amid continued tensions over a proposed US arms package for Taiwan and growing concern in Beijing over Washington’s support for the self-governed island.

The summit also focused heavily on the ongoing Iran conflict and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route. Trump said Xi had offered China’s assistance in helping negotiate an end to the war and reopening the strait. He also claimed Xi assured him that China would not supply military equipment to Iran, although Beijing still intends to continue purchasing Iranian oil.

Despite the political uncertainty, global markets reacted positively. Wall Street surged to fresh record highs, driven by continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and technology stocks. European markets also closed higher, while Asian markets were mixed.

Trade remained another major talking point. Trump said China could expand purchases of American agricultural goods and aircraft, including a possible order for Boeing jets, as both sides attempt to avoid a renewed trade war after last year’s tariff disputes.
12:30 (IST) May 15
Air Force One departs Beijing
US president Donald Trump departed Beijing for the United States on Friday following high-stakes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at addressing a range of disputes affecting relations between the world’s two largest economies.

Air Force One took off from Beijing Capital International Airport on Friday afternoon local time after an official departure ceremony on the tarmac.

Trump raised his fist as he boarded the aircraft, while people dressed in blue waved American and Chinese flags and cheered during the send-off.

12:20 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Stable China-US trade ties benefit 'both countries and world', says Chinese Premier Li
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday met representatives of major American companies accompanying US President Donald Trump during his visit to China, stressing that a “stable and predictable” economic relationship between Beijing and Washington was important for both countries and the global economy, as cited by ANI.

Chinese State Council Secretary-General Wu Zhenglong also attended the meeting.

Li said earlier talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump had provided “strategic guidance” for bilateral relations at a time of increasing global uncertainty.
11:43 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: 'We will be reciprocal', Trump invites Chinese President Xi to visit US in September
US president Donald Trump on Friday said Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the United States around September 24, describing the proposed trip as a “reciprocal” visit as he wrapped up his own two-day state visit to China.

Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Xi at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, Trump thanked the Chinese president and his delegation for the reception extended to him.

“I just want to thank President Xi and all of his representatives--we've become friendly with all of them; they're great people. It's an honour to be here, and we'll be back. And I believe on September 24th, or thereabouts, President Xi is going to be coming to the United States, and we will be reciprocal--like reciprocal trade, the visit will be reciprocal,” Trump said.

He added that both countries would continue to deepen engagement through open and direct discussions. “We're going to lay it on the line, and we're going to have--you're going to walk away, I hope, hopefully very impressed, like I'm very impressed with China,” Trump said.
11:30 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: 'I could get used to this place,' Trump says while touring Xi’s leadership compound
11:17 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Xi hails 'a milestone event' but is silent on Iran
While US President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping shared “very similar views” on Iran, Xi did not publicly mention the Middle East conflict in remarks delivered before the press.

Earlier on Friday, China’s foreign ministry said the Iran war “should never have happened,” reiterating Beijing’s call for de-escalation and stability in the region.

“Thank you, Mr. President. This visit has been a historic and landmark occasion,” Xi said during his remarks alongside Trump.

“During it, we have established a new, constructive strategic relationship between our two nations; it can truly be described as a milestone event,” he added.
10:49 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Trump says Xi feels 'very similar' on Iran
US president Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping share similar views on the Iran conflict, including opposition to Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons and support for reopening key shipping routes.

“We did discuss Iran. We feel very similar (on) Iran. We want that to end. We don't want them to have a nuclear weapon. We want the straits open,” Trump said, as cited by Reuters.

“We want them to get it ended because it’s a crazy thing there, a little bit crazy. And it’s no good, it can’t happen,” he added.

Earlier on Friday, China’s foreign ministry said “shipping routes should be reopened as soon as possible” and described the Iran war as one that “should never have happened.”
10:25 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Trump meets Chinese President Xi at Zhongnanhai leadership compound
US president Donald Trump on Friday held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Zhongnanhai, the heavily guarded leadership compound of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing, as part of his two-day visit to China.

The meeting began on Friday morning local time, with Trump and Xi seen walking through the gardens of the sprawling complex before moving into a private discussion away from the media, according to CNN.

Often referred to as China’s equivalent of the White House, Zhongnanhai serves as the central leadership hub of the Chinese Communist Party.

Spread across nearly 1,500 acres, the compound includes lakes, gardens, pavilions and government offices, and is regarded as one of the country’s most secretive and tightly secured locations.
10:01 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Trump enters 2nd day of talks focused on business and a "very strong" relationship with Xi
US president Donald Trump entered a second day of high-level talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping on Friday, focusing on trade, regional security and what Trump described as a “very strong” relationship with his Chinese counterpart.

Speaking at the start of a bilateral tea meeting, Trump called Xi “a man I respect greatly” who has “become, really, a friend.”

“We’ve settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to settle, and the relationship is a very strong one,” Trump said.

Trump also said the conflict with Iran featured prominently in discussions and suggested that China, which maintains close ties with Tehran, shared the US position on ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
09:52 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: China urges lasting Mideast truce, reopening of shipping lanes
China on Friday called for a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East and urged the reopening of shipping lanes “as soon as possible” after the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz was effectively shut during the conflict with Iran. The issue was discussed during talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at their summit in Beijing.

In an interview with Fox News following the first day of the summit, Trump said Xi had assured him that China was not preparing to provide military assistance to Tehran. “He said he's not going to give military equipment... he said that strongly,” Trump said.

Trump added that Xi supported reopening the Strait of Hormuz and had offered to assist in easing tensions. “He'd like to see the Hormuz Strait open, and said ‘if I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help,’” Trump said.

Asked whether the two leaders had discussed the matter, China’s foreign ministry said on Friday that it hoped a lasting ceasefire could be achieved “as soon as possible” to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
09:21 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: Trump says made 'fantastic trade deals' with Xi
US president Donald Trump said he had struck “fantastic trade deals” with Chinese President Xi Jinping as he wrapped up his Beijing visit on Friday.

He concluded the visit with a private meeting at Xi’s official residence before departing for Washington.

During a series of meetings and events on Thursday, the two leaders discussed a range of contentious issues, including the Iran conflict, trade, technology and Taiwan.

Trump said Xi had indicated that China wanted to help negotiate an end to the Iran war and support the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. With China being the largest buyer of Iranian oil, Trump said he hoped Beijing would use its influence to push Tehran toward a deal on US terms. He also said Xi had assured him that China would not provide military equipment to Iran.
09:16 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: 'Double-digit billion purchases' of agricultural goods expected from China, says US official
09:04 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: Iran war should never have happened and shipping routes must reopen, China says
China’s foreign ministry on Friday called for the Iran ceasefire to continue, saying the conflict “should never have happened” and urging the swift reopening of key maritime trade routes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump discussed the Iran conflict during talks in Beijing on Thursday. Responding to questions about the discussions, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated Beijing’s position on the war, as cited by CNN.

“This war, which should never have happened, has no need to continue,” the spokesperson said, according to state broadcaster CCTV. “Finding an early path to resolution would benefit both the US and Iran, as well as countries in the region and the world as a whole.”

The spokesperson added that the ceasefire had opened the door for negotiations and that the opportunity “should not be closed again.” “The maritime routes should be reopened as soon as possible in response to the calls of the international community, and joint efforts should be made to safeguard the stability and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains,” the ministry said.


08:37 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: US official says China wants Hormuz Strait unrestricted
China has told the United States that it wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open without restrictions or tolls, while also signalling a pragmatic approach toward limiting military support for Iran, US trade representative Jamieson Greer said on Friday.

“Our view is the Chinese are being very pragmatic, and they don’t want to be on the wrong side of this. They want to see peace in that area… So we have a lot of confidence they will do what they can to limit any kind of material support for Iran,” Greer told Bloomberg Television in an interview from Beijing, where he attended talks between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping.
08:27 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Trump expresses appreciation for Xi and his red-carpet welcome
US president Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping and the grand reception he received in Beijing, saying the elaborate welcome reflected respect for the United States.

“We were treated very well,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.

When asked whether such gestures were important to him, Trump said diplomatic pageantry carried symbolic value and represented respect for the country he leads. “If I got out of a plane and nobody was there to greet me, I would say that wouldn’t be so cool because it’s really respect for our country. Our country is respected,” he said.

08:02 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Trump says China wants to buy US oil, soybeans
US president Donald Trump said China had expressed interest in purchasing US oil and soybeans following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to Beijing.

“They've agreed they want to buy oil from the United States,” Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity in an interview broadcast late Thursday in the United States.

China, a major foreign buyer of Iranian oil, had imported limited quantities of US crude before Trump imposed tariffs last year. Beijing has also significantly reduced purchases of American soybeans, increasingly turning to Brazil as an alternative supplier.
07:46 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: ‘China doesn’t want Iran to have a nuclear weapon either’, says Trump on Xi talks
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he believes Chinese President Xi Jinping agrees that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, adding that the issue came up during their talks in Beijing.

“I don’t think China wants Iran to have a nuclear weapon either. I said, just don’t go crazy, you don’t need them having a nuclear weapon,” Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity in an interview.

Asked how Xi responded, Trump said the Chinese leader did not directly react to his remarks. “Well, he’s not going to respond to me, he’s a pretty cool guy — he’s not going to say, ‘Oh gee, that’s a good point,’” Trump said, adding that he believes Xi shares the same view.

“I don’t think he wants Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “He would like to see an end, but he’s been good about it, hasn’t done anything hostile.”

Trump also claimed Xi offered to help broker a deal with Tehran. “If I could be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help,” Trump quoted Xi as saying.
07:21 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: 'You wouldn't find a guy like him in Hollywood', Trump says on China's president Xi Jinping
07:13 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: Trump will meet Xi at Zhongnanhai, the Communist Party’s secretive leadership compound
Chinese president Xi Jinping is set to host US President Donald Trump today at Zhongnanhai, the heavily guarded leadership compound of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing.

Only a select few American leaders have ever been granted access to the closely protected complex, about which little information is publicly available.

Spread across nearly 1,500 acres, Zhongnanhai features repurposed pavilions and temples once used by Chinese emperors for leisure and dining.

Today, the historic site also serves as the political nerve centre of China’s leadership, alongside a number of modern government offices, as cited by CNN.
07:07 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Agree '100 per cent' with Xi that US was on decline, but under Biden, says Trump
US president Donald Trump said his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping was “100 per cent correct” in describing the United States as a nation in decline, but clarified that the remarks referred to the period under his predecessor Joe Biden.

“When President Xi very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps being a declining nation, he was referring to the tremendous damage we suffered during the four years of Sleepy Joe Biden and the Biden Administration, and on that score, he was 100 per cent correct,” Trump said through a post on Truth Social.

Trump claimed the US had “suffered immeasurably with open borders, high taxes, transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, Diversity-Equity-Inclusion (DEI), horrible trade deals, rampant crime, and so much more!” during the Biden administration.

He also said the country has witnessed “an incredible rise” during the first 16 months of his presidency, citing record stock market performance and 401(k) gains, military successes, renewed economic momentum, and what he described as a booming jobs market.
06:09 (IST) May 15
If symbolism is diplomacy’s first language, then US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing this week reflected a shifting global order: a more confident China engaging Washington as an equal, if not a stronger power. The summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared less like a meeting between a dominant superpower and a challenger, and more like an encounter between an assertive host and a cautious guest.

Xi used the meeting to warn against mishandling Taiwan, invoking the “Thucydides Trap” — the idea that conflict can emerge when a rising power threatens an established one. Trump, meanwhile, focused on trade, investment and future business ties, praising Xi and speaking of a “fantastic future” for relations.
05:47 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: Trump insists US-China relations are in a good place despite differences as he wraps up Beijing trip
As President Donald Trump entered the final day of his whirlwind visit to China on Friday, he insisted relations between Washington and Beijing were improving despite deep differences over Iran, Taiwan and trade. Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had praised his “tremendous successes” and suggested Xi’s earlier remarks about America being a “declining nation” were aimed at former president Joe Biden.

Despite the warm public messaging, major disagreements remain. Xi reportedly warned that mishandling Taiwan could lead to “clashes and even conflicts” between the two powers. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintained that Washington’s policy towards Taiwan remained unchanged and cautioned Beijing against using force.

The leaders also discussed the conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route. Trump claimed Xi had offered assistance in resolving the crisis and backed reopening the strait to stabilise energy supplies.

Trade and investment also featured prominently, with Trump suggesting China could increase purchases of US agricultural goods and Boeing aircraft while both sides explored broader economic cooperation ahead of his return to Washington later on Friday.
05:15 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: Trump claims Xi's 'declining nation' remark targeted Biden Era
US President Donald Trump on Friday sought to reinterpret remarks attributed to Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming they referred to what he described as the “damage” caused during the Biden administration rather than the current state of the United States under his leadership.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump argued that Xi’s comments about America being a “declining nation” were “100 per cent correct” when applied to former President Joe Biden’s tenure. He blamed the previous administration for “open borders, high taxes, transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, DEI, horrible trade deals, rampant crime, and so much more”.

Trump insisted Xi was not referring to what he called the “incredible rise” of the United States during the “16 spectacular months” of his administration. He pointed to soaring stock markets, strong employment figures, military strength and what he described as renewed economic dominance.

The US President also claimed Xi had congratulated him on achieving “so many tremendous successes” in a short period. Trump further said the United States had transformed from a country in decline into “the hottest Nation anywhere in the world”.
04:39 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: US brokers between Israel, Lebanon and says progress with China
The United States on Thursday intensified efforts to preserve the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, as President Donald Trump expressed optimism about China’s potential role in easing tensions involving Iran. The current truce, which is due to expire on Sunday, has remained under severe strain amid continuing Israeli strikes that Lebanese authorities say have caused thousands of casualties.

Violence flared once again as Israeli and Lebanese officials convened in Washington for two days of talks hosted by the US State Department. Israel’s delegation included senior military officers, underlining the security-focused nature of the discussions. A senior US official described the opening day as “productive and positive”, while Lebanese representatives stressed the urgent need to halt further destruction and civilian deaths.

The conflict escalated after Hezbollah launched retaliatory attacks following Israel’s killing of Iran’s supreme leader in February. Since then, Israel has continued extensive military operations across Lebanon, vowing to target Hezbollah positions. Lebanese state media reported fresh airstrikes in both southern and eastern regions on Thursday, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Israeli troops near the northern border.

Meanwhile, the wider regional crisis has become increasingly tied to global economic concerns. Iran, a key Hezbollah ally, has linked any broader ceasefire agreement to developments in Lebanon and continues to exert influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil route.
04:13 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Trump to seek tangible trade wins in Xi summit
US President Donald Trump is expected to pursue key trade agreements during his final meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, as a high-profile summit between the two powers concludes amid heightened tensions over Taiwan. While Trump is seeking progress on commercial deals spanning agriculture, aviation and artificial intelligence, discussions have also focused heavily on global security issues, particularly the conflict involving Iran and instability in the Middle East.

Despite Trump repeatedly praising Xi as a “great leader” and a “friend”, the Chinese president adopted a notably firmer tone, warning that any mishandling of Taiwan could lead to serious confrontation between Washington and Beijing. Although Trump avoided direct comment on the issue, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested the president would address it publicly in the coming days.

Trump stated that Xi had assured him China would not provide military assistance to Iran and supported keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to safeguard global energy supplies. The US president also highlighted discussions on artificial intelligence cooperation and claimed China had agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft.
04:12 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: Rubio insists US policy on Taiwan remains unchanged after summit
Following Xi’s warning over Taiwan, Rubio sought to reassure allies that Washington’s position had not shifted after Trump’s meeting with the Chinese leader. Speaking during the Beijing trip, Rubio said: “US policy on the issue of Taiwan is unchanged as of today and as of the meeting that we had here today.” He acknowledged that China regularly raises Taiwan during bilateral talks but insisted the United States remains committed to its longstanding approach. Rubio also warned Beijing against military action, calling any attempt to take Taiwan by force “a terrible mistake”. His comments came amid concerns that Trump’s warm personal relationship with Xi could lead to softer American support for Taipei. The Trump administration has already approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, though deliveries have not yet begun. Rubio’s intervention aimed to reinforce deterrence even as both presidents publicly emphasised cooperation and stability during the summit.
04:00 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Xi invokes ‘Thucydides Trap’ in warning over future conflict
Xi used one of international politics’ most famous theories to underline the risks facing China-US relations during his meeting with Trump. The Chinese leader warned about the danger of falling into the “Thucydides Trap”, a concept suggesting that war often occurs when a rising power challenges an established one. Xi asked whether the two countries could “transcend the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and forge a new model for relations between major powers.” The remark carried particular significance because it came immediately after Trump publicly praised Xi and promised that bilateral relations would improve further. Xi’s comments reflected Beijing’s growing concern about strategic competition with Washington over Taiwan, military influence and technological dominance. While both leaders later adopted more conciliatory language at the state banquet, Xi’s warning highlighted the underlying mistrust shaping the relationship. The summit therefore exposed both the possibilities for cooperation and the serious risks of confrontation between the two powers.
03:32 (IST) May 15
‘President Xi was 100% correct’: Trump blames Biden for America’s ‘decline’
US President Donald Trump defended the strength of the American economy and his administration in a lengthy Truth Social post during his high-stakes visit to China, saying Chinese President Xi Jinping had been referring to the decline under former President Joe Biden rather than the current state of the US.

“When President Xi very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps being a declining nation, he was referring to the tremendous damage we suffered during the four years of Sleepy Joe Biden and the Biden Administration, and on that score, he was 100% correct,” Trump wrote. He blamed the previous administration for “open borders, high taxes, transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, DEI, horrible trade deals, rampant crime, and so much more!”

Trump insisted the US had seen an “incredible rise” during the “16 spectacular months of the Trump Administration”, pointing to record stock markets, military strength and investment figures. He also claimed Xi had congratulated him on his “tremendous successes in such a short period of time”.

The remarks came as Trump held crucial meetings with Xi in Beijing, where the two leaders discussed the Iran war, Taiwan and trade tensions. Trump said Xi had offered to help broker peace with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while also assuring him that China would not provide Tehran with “military equipment”.

Behind closed doors, Xi reportedly warned that tensions over Taiwan could lead to clashes between the two powers. Trump, meanwhile, is seeking new trade agreements, including increased Chinese purchases of US agricultural products and passenger aircraft.

Back in Washington, divisions over Trump’s Iran strategy deepened after House Republicans narrowly defeated legislation aimed at limiting the president’s authority to launch further military action without congressional approval.
03:30 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: Ceremony and symbolism dominate Trump’s Beijing summit with Xi
Trump’s visit to Beijing was marked by elaborate displays of diplomatic symbolism, from a red-carpet welcome to military bands, cannon salutes and state banquets. Xi greeted Trump at the Great Hall of the People with full ceremonial honours as hundreds of schoolchildren waved Chinese and American flags while chanting “Welcome!” Trump appeared visibly pleased by the reception, repeatedly praising Xi and describing the day as “fantastic”. Following formal meetings, Xi escorted Trump on a tour of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven before hosting an evening banquet attended by senior officials and business leaders. Analysts said the summit seemed designed as much to showcase stability in China-US relations as to produce concrete policy breakthroughs. Patrick O'Hare observed that the meetings involved “a lot of flattery” but limited substance.
03:00 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Trump seeks major trade deals during Beijing state visit
Trade remained a major focus during Trump’s visit, with both sides discussing expanded Chinese purchases of American goods and ways to avoid another damaging tariff war. Trump said Xi indicated China could purchase 200 Boeing aircraft while also increasing imports of US soybeans, beef and agricultural products. The White House said both leaders explored “ways to enhance economic cooperation”, including greater market access for American firms operating in China. Officials are also considering the creation of a new trade board aimed at resolving disputes before they escalate into a repeat of last year’s tariff battles. Xi told Trump that “China’s door of opportunity will open wider”, signalling Beijing’s willingness to deepen commercial engagement despite political tensions. While no major agreements were announced immediately, both governments appeared keen to preserve the fragile trade truce reached last year, which helped calm fears of another economically damaging confrontation.
02:33 (IST) May 15
Trump-Xi Summit LIVE: Taiwan dispute overshadows attempts to stabilise China-US ties
Although Trump and Xi emphasised cooperation during their summit, Taiwan continued to dominate tensions between both countries. Xi warned Trump that mishandling the issue could put the entire bilateral relationship “in great jeopardy”, reflecting Beijing’s anger over a planned $11 billion US arms package for Taiwan. Washington has long supported Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities, though Trump’s mixed messaging has fuelled speculation about whether he may reduce American backing. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to calm concerns, insisting US policy towards Taiwan remains “unchanged”. However, he also warned it would be “a terrible mistake” for China to seize the island by force. Taiwan’s government later thanked Washington for its “long-term support”. The sharp exchanges highlighted how Taiwan remains the most dangerous flashpoint in China-US relations, even as both governments attempt to maintain broader diplomatic and economic cooperation.
02:33 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Xi offers help on Iran as Trump pushes for Hormuz reopening
Iran emerged as a central issue during the Beijing talks, with Trump revealing that Xi had offered China’s assistance in helping negotiate an end to the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Xi told him: “I would love to be a help, if I can be of any help whatsoever.” The Strait remains a vital global oil route whose disruption has rattled energy markets and raised fears of wider economic fallout. Trump also claimed Xi assured him that China would not provide Iran with “military equipment”, describing it as “a big statement”. China’s role is particularly significant because it remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil. While Washington hopes Beijing can pressure Tehran towards a deal, it remains unclear how far China is willing to use its leverage. Both governments agreed publicly that the strait must remain open, although broader differences over the Middle East conflict continue to complicate relations between the two superpowers.
02:32 (IST) May 15
Donald Trump China Visit: Global markets rally as investors pin hopes on Trump-Xi talks
Global markets climbed sharply as investors welcomed the optics of Trump’s summit with Xi and growing optimism surrounding artificial intelligence stocks. Wall Street recorded fresh highs, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq ending at record levels while European shares also rose strongly. Tech companies led gains after Cisco Systems surged more than 13 per cent following a strong earnings report, while semiconductor startup Cerebras soared during its Nasdaq debut. Investors also hoped the Beijing summit could ease geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare said: “The sentiment remains predominantly bullish.” However, he cautioned that the summit appeared “mostly more of a glad-handing type of engagement” with “not a lot of substance really to change things”. While traders welcomed signs of dialogue between Washington and Beijing, concerns remain over Taiwan, tariffs, global energy prices and whether the summit can produce long-term economic stability.
02:32 (IST) May 15
Trump-Xi Summit LIVE: Trump and Xi strike warm tone despite major global tensions
Despite disagreements over Taiwan, Iran and trade, Trump and Xi projected optimism throughout their summit at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Trump praised Xi repeatedly, telling him: “It’s an honor to be your friend,” while Xi stressed that “cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both”. The Chinese leader even linked his national vision with Trump’s political slogan, saying: “Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand.” The carefully choreographed visit featured military honours, a state banquet, cultural tours and extensive bilateral discussions. Xi described China-US ties as “the most important bilateral relationship in the world” and urged both countries to avoid damaging the partnership. Although analysts said few concrete breakthroughs emerged from the meetings, both leaders appeared eager to lower tensions publicly and stabilise relations amid fears of worsening global instability linked to the Middle East war and economic uncertainty.
02:32 (IST) May 15
Trump China Visit Live: Xi warns Trump over Taiwan during high-stakes Beijing summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a stark warning to US President Donald Trump during their closed-door talks in Beijing, saying tensions over Taiwan could push both countries towards confrontation. According to Chinese officials, Xi told Trump that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations” and warned that “the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts” if the matter is mishandled. The comments highlighted the deep divide between Washington and Beijing despite the cordial atmosphere surrounding Trump’s state visit. Trump, meanwhile, struck a warm tone in public, calling Xi “a great leader” and saying their relationship “is going to be better than ever before”. The summit showcased a contrast between diplomatic pageantry and underlying geopolitical rivalry, particularly over Taiwan, trade disputes and the ongoing Iran conflict, all of which continue to test relations between the world’s two largest powers.
Global markets rallied on Thursday as investors closely watched the high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, where tensions over Taiwan, Iran and trade dominated discussions.

Wall Street hit fresh record highs, driven by continued optimism around artificial intelligence and technology stocks. Cisco Systems jumped more than 13 per cent after raising its earnings outlook, while chipmaker Cerebras surged during its Nasdaq debut. European markets also closed higher, with London, Frankfurt and Paris all posting gains.

At the Great Hall of the People, Xi gave Trump a grand ceremonial welcome complete with a military band and 21-gun salute. Trump praised Xi and said relations between the two countries could become “better than ever before”.

Behind the diplomatic display, however, sharp differences remained. Xi warned that tensions over Taiwan could push both nations towards conflict if not handled carefully. Trump meanwhile said Xi had offered China’s help in ending the Iran war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route disrupted by the conflict.