Web Desk: US President Donald Trump will travel to China this week for a state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first trip to Beijing by a sitting US president in nearly a decade amid mounting geopolitical and economic tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
China’s foreign ministry said on Monday that Trump would visit from May 13 to 15 for talks expected to focus on trade, technology and regional security issues.
The visit comes as Washington and Beijing navigate strained ties over a range of disputes, while also confronting growing uncertainty in global energy markets following the Iran conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s trip follows a six-week postponement linked to the war involving Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Although a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in place, continued instability in the Gulf has driven up energy prices and added pressure on the global economy.
The Hormuz crisis is also expected to emerge as a sensitive topic during the summit, reflecting broader differences between Washington and Beijing over regional strategy and energy security.
While both countries share an interest in restoring stability and reopening the vital shipping lane, analysts say the two powers continue to view the crisis through sharply different strategic perspectives.
Washington may believe China faces greater exposure to disruptions in Gulf oil supplies because of its heavy dependence on imported energy. Beijing, however, could calculate that prolonged instability would impose greater political and economic costs on the United States and its allies.
Jesse Marks, founder of Washington-based Rihla Research and Advisory, said Trump may seek China’s cooperation on elements of a future agreement involving Iran, including oversight of Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
However, he suggested Beijing would likely avoid deep engagement on the issue during the summit.
“Xi will likely try to compartmentalise Iran and keep the summit focused on trade, technology and bilateral stabilisation,” Marks said.
“From Beijing’s perspective, Trump’s most useful contribution is de-escalation itself,” he added.
According to officials familiar with the itinerary, Trump is scheduled to attend a formal welcome ceremony and hold bilateral talks with Xi on Thursday before visiting Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven and attending a state banquet.
The two leaders are expected to meet again on Friday for a working lunch and an informal tea session aimed at advancing dialogue on economic and strategic issues.
US officials also indicated that Washington intends to host Xi for a reciprocal visit later this year as both sides seek to maintain high-level communication despite persistent tensions.
Read more: Govt, Barrick gold discuss future steps regarding the Reko Diq project
