Trump to press Xi on Iran during first US presidential visit to China in nearly a decade

The White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will raise the issue of Iran with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit to China from Wednesday (May 13) to Friday — the first such visit by a US president in nearly a decade. Ahead of the leaders' summit, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet in Seoul for economic and trade talks.

Dr Graham Smith of the Australian National University's Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs discussed expectations for the trip, noting both sides seek to repair relations. Key US priorities include movement on soybean purchases, Boeing jet sales, and fentanyl, while China hopes for reduced US arms sales to Taiwan and an end to the blockade of Iranian ports. A delegation of US business leaders with significant China exposure, including Apple and Qualcomm, will accompany Trump. Analysts expect confidence-building measures rather than major breakthroughs, with the Iran conflict — particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — casting a significant shadow over discussions. Read more: https://cna.asia/3R1hijw