President Donald Trump is expected to travel to Beijing for a postponed meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a May 4 commentary by Patricia M. Kim, Senior Fellow at the John L. Thornton China Center. The summit comes amid ongoing uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz and heightened attention on U.S.-China relations.
The upcoming talks are significant as they may shape economic and security ties between the two countries during a period of global tension. The main topics expected at the summit include trade negotiations, Taiwan policy, diplomatic language framing bilateral relations, responses to international crises such as Iran and North Korea, and future high-level meetings.
Trade will be central to discussions, with both sides likely seeking an extension of their current truce: continued Chinese exports of rare earths and purchases of U.S. agricultural products in exchange for partial tariff relief. Trump's administration has suggested new mechanisms like a "board of trade" and "board of investment" for bilateral engagement but remains cautious about broader investment agreements. According to Kim's commentary, "Trump will seek headline-grabbing pledges of large-scale Chinese purchases of U.S. goods... His administration has also floated new mechanisms...to channel bilateral economic engagement in nonsensitive sectors." Meanwhile, Beijing aims to maintain access to U.S. technology while avoiding further export restrictions.
Taiwan remains another core issue for Beijing amid speculation that China may press Trump on U.S.-Taiwan policy after an $11 billion arms sales package was approved last year but reportedly stalled within the State Department. Kim wrote that "Trump has repeatedly described Taiwan more as an economic competitor than as a democratic friend and strategic partner," noting potential shifts in declaratory language could influence regional expectations.
Other topics likely include global crises such as Iran—where recent sanctions have targeted Chinese firms—and artificial intelligence safety agreements reached under previous administrations but now subject to review by Trump’s team. Arms control proposals involving China and Russia may also arise alongside renewed discussion about North Korea following increased activity between Pyongyang and Beijing.
Looking ahead, further meetings between Trump and Xi are possible later this year if plans materialize for summits in Washington or Shenzhen or at other major international gatherings; however, no confirmations have been made by Beijing so far.
The John L. Thornton China Center is part of the Brookings Institution and focuses on independent analyses related to U.S.-China ties as well as China's domestic evolution through research publications and collaborations with institutions such as Tsinghua University according to the official website.
