US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss Iran, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons during high-level talks in Beijing this week, according to American officials.
The meeting will mark the first face-to-face talks between the two leaders in more than six months as Washington and Beijing attempt to stabilize relations strained by trade disputes, the Iran conflict and wider political disagreements.
Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday ahead of formal discussions scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
The visit will also be Trump’s first trip to China since 2017.
US officials said both countries are expected to discuss extending a key agreement involving rare earth minerals, resources considered critical for technology, manufacturing and defense industries.
Washington and Beijing are also expected to announce new platforms aimed at improving trade and investment cooperation between the two economic powers.
According to US officials, China could announce purchases of Boeing aircraft as well as American agricultural and energy products during the visit.
Talks between Trump and Xi Jinping are also expected to address long-standing disputes over Taiwan, nuclear weapons and artificial intelligence development.
Iran is expected to become one of the most sensitive issues during the discussions.
China remains one of Iran’s largest oil buyers and maintains close economic relations with Tehran despite growing pressure from Washington.
Trump has repeatedly urged Beijing to use its influence to pressure Iran into reaching an agreement with the United States and ending the conflict that escalated after US and Israeli attacks against Iran earlier this year.
The Trump administration has also continued pressing China over its relationship with Russia.
American officials said Trump has repeatedly raised concerns with Xi about Chinese financial support and trade ties with both Iran and Russia, particularly involving products that could have military applications.
Analysts say the Beijing summit will be closely watched globally because it comes at a time of rising tensions involving global trade, military competition, artificial intelligence and conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Despite continued rivalry between Washington and Beijing, both sides appear eager to avoid further deterioration in relations that could damage global markets and international supply chains.
