Trump Set to Fly to China to Discuss Iran War with Xi Jinping

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to fly to China soon. Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on 14-15 May 2026 as a follow-up to the high-level meeting between the two countries a month ago.

Citing detikFinance, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the meeting between the two presidents will also address the main topic of the Iran war. This is seen as potentially limiting the scope for resolving issues such as trade tariffs and rare earth metal supplies.

“The end of the Iran war would be a great relief for global business. It would be remembered as a major success,” said Hai Zhao, Director of International Political Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, on Friday (8/5/2026).

Prior to Trump’s arrival, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also planned to visit Beijing. This marks his first visit since the war with the US began at the end of February, simultaneously raising hopes for a peace agreement.

However, at the same time, the US and Iran have resumed mutual attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a Chinese-owned tanker being struck. Each side blames the other for initiating the attack.

Nevertheless, some progress may still be achievable. Trump is expected to reach an agreement on China’s purchases of US soybeans and Boeing aircraft.

Boeing and Citigroup CEOs are reportedly set to accompany Trump. The US aerospace giant is anticipated to finalise its first major order from China. Meanwhile, Beijing is likely to focus on tariffs, Taiwan’s status, and US restrictions on China’s access to advanced technology.

“This meeting is likely to strengthen the gains that China has achieved over the past year,” said Scott Kennedy, senior adviser and chair of the trustees for the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a US-based think tank.