Trump wraps up China visit, says made 'fantastic trade deals' with President Xi

Beijing (Web Desk/Agencies): US President Donald Trump concluded his Beijing visit on Friday after holding a private meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Chinese leader’s official residence before heading back to Washington.

During lengthy discussions held on Thursday, both sides exchanged views on several sensitive matters, including the Iran conflict, trade tensions, technology disputes, and the Taiwan issue.

Trump said Xi showed readiness to support efforts aimed at bringing the Iran war to an end and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, an essential route for global oil transportation.

He claimed Xi assured him that China would not provide military assistance or weapons to Iran. Trump also noted that since China remains the largest importer of Iranian oil, Beijing could play an important role in persuading Tehran to accept an agreement beneficial to the United States.

Throughout the visit, Trump continued to speak positively about relations between Washington and Beijing, although he admitted that complicated disagreements still exist over trade, Taiwan, and regional security concerns.

During the summit, Xi warned that tensions over Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, could trigger a major confrontation between the two countries.

Trump had earlier approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, though the delivery process has not yet moved forward. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also warned that it would be a serious mistake for China to use force against Taiwan.

Trade remained one of the central topics during the talks, with Trump pressing China to increase imports of American agricultural goods and passenger aircraft. The discussions were also aimed at creating a structure to manage trade disagreements and prevent another trade war similar to the one sparked by Trump’s tariffs last year.

In contrast to his usual media-friendly style, Trump avoided answering reporters’ questions during his meetings with Xi. He stayed silent while visiting the Temple of Heaven and during a walk with the Chinese leader through Zhongnanhai, despite regularly speaking to journalists on most occasions.

Trump described the outcome of his meetings with Xi as involving “fantastic trade deals” and called the trip “incredible.” He highlighted the possibility of increased Chinese purchases of US soybeans, airplanes, and oil products following the summit.

Speaking about Iran, Trump said both leaders held similar views regarding the need to settle the conflict, saying, “We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.” He also stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz operational and repeated Washington’s desire to see an end to what he described as a chaotic situation.

Trump’s delegation included US Ambassador to China David Perdue, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while Xi was joined by senior members of the Chinese leadership.

China once again called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during bilateral discussions and stressed the need for a diplomatic solution to the Iran crisis. China’s Foreign Ministry said communication should remain open and urged all sides to seek a resolution that addresses concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Trump’s visit helped improve understanding, build trust, and strengthen cooperation between the two countries, adding that both leaders agreed on the importance of managing differences and maintaining dialogue on global and regional matters.

Trump also suggested there could be future deals involving Chinese purchases of American oil, saying Xi had shown interest in the proposal. He mentioned that Chinese ships could potentially visit US ports to buy oil, although no formal agreement or detailed arrangement was immediately announced.

Before concluding the visit, Trump emphasized the value of continued engagement between the United States and China despite existing tensions, saying the meetings carried major significance and could open the door to wider cooperation in the future.

The Beijing meetings ultimately concluded with both leaders presenting the discussions as productive and meaningful, even as political rivalries, economic competition, and geopolitical challenges continue to shape relations between the world’s two biggest powers.