US President Donald Trump has praised Chinese President Xi Jinping during high-level talks in Beijing, saying he would continue speaking “the truth” even when people dislike it.
“You’re a great leader. I say it to everybody. You’re a great leader,” Trump said during a meeting with Xi on May 14, 2026.
“Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true. I always say the truth,” he added.
Trump is currently in China for a major diplomatic visit expected to renew relations between the world’s two largest economies for years.
The American president and Xi Jinping are holding discussions on several sensitive global issues, including the Iran conflict, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, trade disputes, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ongoing crisis around the Strait of Hormuz is also expected to dominate the talks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is accompanying Trump during the visit, said Washington hopes Beijing can help ease tensions linked to the shipping standoff in the Gulf region.
The United States has been pushing China to use its economic influence over Iran to help stabilize the situation and reduce risks to global oil supplies.
China, which remains one of Iran’s biggest oil buyers, has signaled willingness to strengthen cooperation with Washington despite ongoing disagreements between the two powers.
Chinese officials said Beijing is prepared to work toward reducing differences and expanding cooperation where possible.
Trump’s remarks praising Xi immediately drew attention online because of the tense history between Washington and Beijing over recent years.
During his first presidency, Trump frequently accused China of unfair trade practices and launched a major tariff war against Beijing.
Relations between the two countries later deteriorated further over Taiwan, technology restrictions, military rivalry, and accusations involving espionage and cyber activities.
Despite those tensions, Trump has often maintained a complicated personal tone toward Xi, alternating between sharp criticism of Chinese policies and public praise for the Chinese leader himself.
Analysts say the latest meeting could determine whether both countries move toward another period of economic confrontation or attempt a temporary diplomatic reset amid rising global instability.
The visit also comes as markets closely watch any signs of progress on trade tariffs and supply chain cooperation between the United States and China.
