Trump says upcoming Xi meeting will be “very important trip”

US President Donald Trump said he is anticipating a key meeting with Xi Jinping, even as tensions between the United States and China resurface across multiple fronts.

Speaking at a White House event on May 4, Trump confirmed his intention to proceed with the այց to Beijing. “I’m going to go see President Xi in two weeks. I look forward to that,” he said, according to Bloomberg. “Actually, it’ll be a very important trip,” he added.

The proposed summit is expected to take place in Beijing on May 14–15, where both sides are aiming to address a range of sensitive issues, including trade frictions, Taiwan, and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Officials from both countries have reportedly spent months preparing for the meeting, with discussions also focusing on establishing a new framework to manage bilateral economic relations. However, China has not formally confirmed the dates, consistent with Beijing’s practice of announcing leadership schedules shortly before official engagements.

The meeting has already faced delays linked to escalating tensions in West Asia, which have raised concerns in financial markets about further uncertainty in US-China relations, Bloomberg reported.

Earlier, Washington and Beijing reached a temporary trade understanding during talks in South Korea, helping stabilize ties. Trump and Xi are reportedly expected to meet multiple times this year to ensure continuity of that agreement.

The ongoing Iran conflict has introduced additional complications to the relationship. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have affected global energy flows, placing pressure on major importers such as China.

At the same time, US efforts to tighten sanctions on Tehran have extended to Chinese refiners accused of processing Iranian crude. In a notable move, China has instructed its companies to disregard certain US sanctions related to Iranian oil trade, marking a rare escalation in tensions.

A White House official cautioned that any company “considering skirting US sanctions should think twice,” Bloomberg reported.

Trump has also raised concerns about Beijing’s potential involvement, previously claiming that the US Navy intercepted a “gift” headed to Iran, though he did not provide further details.

Meanwhile, Scott Bessent has urged China to play a more active role in securing maritime routes. “Let’s see them step up with some diplomacy and get the Iranians to open the strait,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova