Trump in China with American Titans, what is expected of meeting Xi

The two-day visit is considered one of the most important meetings between the two global superpowers in recent years, while the focus of the talks will be trade tariffs, competition for artificial intelligence, the Iran war and tensions for Taiwan.

Trump returns to a much stronger and more determined China compared to his first visit in 2017, while the US president himself faces increased criticism because of the US military campaign in the Middle East.

The trip was initially scheduled for March, but was postponed due to the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran -- the ongoing struggle to affect the global economy and international energy markets.

The American president descended from Air Force One in Beijing, where he was met on the red carpet by Chinese Vice President Han Zhen, one of the highest figures in Chinese leadership. International media interpreted this as a special sign of Beijing's respect to Trump, since he was hosted by a lower-ranking official during 2017's visit.

American and Chinese flags were seen at the reception ceremony as organized crowds greeted the American delegation with welcome banners.

The American president is accompanied by his son Eric Trump, as well as by some of the most powerful figures in the American technology industry, among them directors of Tesla, Novilia, Apple, BlackRock and Boeing.

The presence of Titan technology is seen as a clear signal that artificial intelligence and technological warfare between the United States and China will be one of the summit's main topics.

Shortly before his arrival in Beijing, Trump stated that his main goal is to ask Xi Jinping to open more Chinese markets for American companies.

I will ask President Xi, a leader of extraordinary differences, to open China so that these brilliant people can do their magic and help establish the People's Republic at an even higher level”, Trump wrote on social networks.

The American president said this would be his first “request” during meeting with the Chinese leader.

Trade between the two countries has declined significantly in recent years due to the Tatar war and technological restrictions. Last year, bilateral trade amounted to about $414 billion, much less compared to over $690 billion in 2022.

Trump also seeks to reduce the US trade deficit with China, as Washington imports much more Chinese goods than exports to the Asian market.

The focus of the talks will also be the global competition for artificial intelligence. China is investing at a high rate in AI, robotics and the production of local chips, trying to challenge American domination of technology.

Chinese companies like Huawei and Alibaba are gaining ground in global markets, while Beijing is increasing investments in scientific research and technological education.

On the other hand, the US continues to keep an advantage in technological infrastructure and the production of more advanced chips, but Washington remains concerned about the transfer of American technology to Chinese companies.

Beijing also has an important economic weapon in this rivalry: control over the earth's rare metals, essential elements for the high-tech industry, which China has used in earlier response to American tariffs.

Another important issue at the table will be war in Iran. China relies significantly on Iranian oil imports, and conflicts in the region have raised concerns about the Chinese economy and global energy markets.

Shortly before leaving for Beijing, Trump said he and Xi would hold a “long talks on Iran, but added that the US does not need China's help in resolving the conflict.

However, Washington is stepping up pressure on Beijing to use its economic and political influence on Tehran.

The meeting is also held on the backdrop of tensions for Taiwan. The Trump administration has approved major arms sales to Taiwan, while Beijing continues to consider the island part of its territory.

A few days before the visit, a group of US senators asked Trump to make clear Xi Jinping that US support for Taiwan “is not in negotiations”.

Under the official programme, Trump will participate in the welcoming ceremony at the Great People's Hall in Beijing, at a state banquet, as well as in several bilateral meetings with Xi Jinpingun.

A symbolic activity in the Zongnanhai Garden, known as the political heart of the Chinese leadership, is also envisioned on the agenda.

The American president is expected to leave China on Friday, after a working lunch and closing round of talks with the Chinese counterpart.