Trump heads to China to meet with Xi Jinping: talks to take place amid new US sanctions

Beijing confirms US president’s visit after pause over Iran conflict

China has officially confirmed US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The visit is scheduled for May 13-15 and will take place against the backdrop of the aggravation of the geopolitical situation around Iran, trade disputes and new US sanctions against Chinese companies.

Earlier, the trip was effectively put on “pause” due to the escalation of the war between Iran and Israel, which has been going on for three months and has significantly affected global energy markets.

The main topics of the negotiations are Iran, sanctions and trade

It is expected that during the meeting the parties will discuss the situation in the Middle East, the preservation of the trade truce between the US and China, as well as cooperation in the field of strategic resources.

Particular attention will be paid to the supply of rare earth metals, which are critically important for the American electronics, defense and high-tech industries.

In addition, the issue of Taiwan will remain on the agenda. According to analysts, Beijing may demand that Washington take a clearer position on the island’s non-recognition of independence.

The United States is simultaneously increasing pressure on Chinese business

Ahead of the visit, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on five Chinese private oil refining companies for processing Iranian oil.

In response, the Chinese authorities urged businesses not to comply with American sanctions. At the same time, state-owned banks in the PRC were unofficially recommended to stop new lending to companies that have fallen under US restrictions.

New agreements between Washington and Beijing are possible

According to Western media, the parties may also conclude new agreements in the fields of agriculture, aircraft construction and international trade.

The American delegation may be joined by heads of large corporations, including representatives of Blackstone and Citigroup.

Donald Trump himself previously said that he was “looking forward” to meeting with Xi Jinping and called the upcoming trip “very important.”