Trump and China's Xi to tackle Iran, trade, nuclear weapons and AI issues

WASHINGTON/BEIJING – U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold high-level talks this week covering a wide range of strategic issues, including Iran, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons, and a potential extension of a key critical minerals agreement, according to U.S. officials.

The meeting comes as the leaders of the world’s two largest economies prepare for their first face-to-face discussions in more than six months, amid ongoing efforts to stabilize relations strained by trade disputes, the U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran, and other geopolitical tensions.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday ahead of talks set for Thursday and Friday. It will mark his first visit to China since 2017.

TRADE, INVESTMENT, AND COMMERCIAL AGREEMENTS

According to U.S. officials, both sides are expected to explore new frameworks aimed at facilitating trade and investment flows between the two countries. China is also expected to announce potential purchases involving Boeing aircraft, as well as American agricultural and energy products.

The two governments may also introduce plans for a proposed Board of Trade and Board of Investment. However, officials noted that these mechanisms would likely require further technical work before they can be fully implemented.

Discussions are also expected to include the possible extension of a temporary truce in the trade conflict that has allowed the continued flow of rare earth minerals from China to the United States. While no final decision is expected during this week’s meetings, one U.S. official expressed confidence that an extension remains likely.

“The agreement has not expired yet, and we are confident any potential extension will be announced at the appropriate time,” the official said.

China’s embassy in Washington has not issued any comment on the matter.

SENSITIVE GLOBAL AND SECURITY ISSUES

Beyond trade, the Trump–Xi talks are expected to address several sensitive geopolitical issues, including Taiwan, Iran, nuclear arms control, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

China continues to maintain close economic ties with Iran and remains a major importer of Iranian oil. The Trump administration has been urging Beijing to use its influence to encourage Tehran to reach a diplomatic agreement with Washington, particularly following the escalation of tensions triggered by military strikes involving the United States and Israel earlier this year.

U.S. officials also indicated that discussions may include China’s relationship with Russia, particularly regarding concerns over dual-use technologies and economic support.

“The president has raised Iran and Russia multiple times with General Secretary Xi, including issues related to revenue flows and sensitive goods,” one official said. “We expect those discussions to continue.”

On Taiwan, tensions remain a central issue. China continues to view the self-governed island as part of its territory, while the United States remains its most important international supporter and arms supplier. Beijing has increased military activity around Taiwan in recent years, but U.S. policy toward the island is expected to remain unchanged.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NUCLEAR DIALOGUE

Artificial intelligence is also expected to be a key topic, with U.S. officials expressing concern over the rapid development of advanced AI systems in China. Washington is reportedly seeking to establish a communication channel with Beijing to reduce the risk of misunderstandings or conflict arising from AI-related developments.

“What that looks like is still being defined, but the goal is to open a structured line of communication on AI,” one official said.

The United States has also long sought to initiate dialogue with China on nuclear arms control. However, Chinese officials have previously indicated reluctance, stating that Beijing is not currently interested in formal negotiations on nuclear limitations.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND TRADE BACKDROP

The last meeting between Trump and Xi took place in October in South Korea, where both sides agreed to temporarily pause escalating trade tensions that had included steep tariffs on Chinese goods and threats over rare earth exports.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump lacked the authority to impose several of his global tariff measures, though the administration has indicated plans to pursue alternative legal pathways to reintroduce certain trade restrictions.

The upcoming talks are widely viewed as a critical opportunity to reset communication between Washington and Beijing, even as deep structural disagreements remain unresolved. -Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Beijing, Nandita Bose in Washington and Ismail Shakil in Ottawa, Canada; Editing by Edmund Klamann and Aurora Ellis/Reuters