Trump and Xi hold Beijing summit covering Taiwan, Iran, and trade as differences remain

President Trump arrived in Beijing on Thursday for a multi-day state visit, greeted by an elaborate welcome ceremony featuring honor guards, cannon fire, and schoolchildren waving Chinese and American flags. Trump told Xi at the opening of their meeting in the Great Hall of the People, "The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before," and called Xi "a great leader" and "an honor to be your friend." Xi said the two nations should build a "relationship of strategic stability" and warned against falling into what he called the "Thucydides Trap" — a foreign policy concept describing how competition between a rising and established power can lead to war.

Taiwan dominated the formal exchanges. Xi called it "the most important issue" between the two countries, warning that "if it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts." The Trump administration had approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, according to AP, though it had not yet begun fulfilling it. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, traveling with the president, said U.S. policy toward Taiwan was "unchanged" and described a potential Chinese military takeover as "a terrible mistake." Taiwan's government spokesperson Michelle Lee said Taipei was grateful for the "firm and clear" U.S. position of support. The White House readout of the meeting did not mention Taiwan.

Iran emerged as a significant and, according to Fox News, somewhat unexpected focus of the summit. China purchases roughly 90% of Iran's exported oil, making it Tehran's primary economic backer, according to Fox News. Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity in an interview that Xi said he "would like to be of help" in negotiating an end to the Iran conflict and that Xi had committed to not providing military equipment to Iran — a statement Trump described as "a big statement." Both sides agreed in the White House readout that the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's gas flows, "must remain open." Xi also expressed opposition to Iran's proposed tolls on vessels crossing the strait and indicated interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China's dependence on Gulf energy, according to the White House.