Trump Begins Visit to China with Iran and Taiwan Issues in Spotlight

Tokyo (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump began his visit to China on Tuesday (12/5), describing the trip as highly anticipated and intriguing. Global attention is focused on the potential for significant developments regarding the Iran war or the Taiwan issue in the agenda of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday evening, accompanied by executives from major US companies. He hopes to secure major business deals between the two nations with the world’s largest economies, despite long-standing frictions and technological competition in US-China trade relations. “He is someone who has a good relationship with us. I think you will see good things happen. This will be a very interesting trip,” Trump said regarding Xi. Before departing for Beijing, Trump stated he would hold extensive discussions with Xi on the Middle East conflict. China is Iran’s largest crude oil buyer and a vital supporter of Tehran’s economy. Amid limited progress in talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Trump is expected to ask Xi to “press” Iran into reaching an agreement with the United States. Nevertheless, Trump said on Tuesday that the United States does not need China’s help on Iran. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes foreign arms sales to the self-governing island. In December, Trump announced an $11 billion (approximately Rp192.7 trillion) arms sales package to Taiwan, which provoked a strong reaction from Beijing. Trump and Xi last met in October last year in South Korea, where they agreed to temporarily halt the trade war between the two countries for one year. According to the White House, the latest Trump-Xi meeting will begin on Thursday morning following an official welcome ceremony. The two leaders are scheduled to visit the Temple of Heaven on Thursday afternoon before attending a state banquet. On Friday, Trump will have a formal lunch with Xi before returning home.