US President Donald Trump is set to visit China from May 13 to 15 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to announcements from both the White House and the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The visit comes amid heightened tensions over Iran and ongoing trade disputes between the two nations.
Trump Hopes for Productive Talks
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump expressed optimism about his meeting with Xi, stating, "I have a great relationship with President Xi. We're doing a lot of business, but it's smart business." He added that he hopes to get "a lot" out of the summit, particularly regarding trade and Iran. Trump noted that no Iranian oil ships have been arriving in China, despite the country's reliance on Iranian crude, and emphasized the importance of stabilizing trade relations after last year's tit-for-tat sanctions.
US Business Delegation to Join Trump
A large delegation of US CEOs is expected to accompany Trump to Beijing. Among those invited are Elon Musk (Tesla), Tim Cook (Apple), Larry Fink (BlackRock), and Kelly Ortberg (Boeing). Other executives include Stephen Schwarzman (Blackstone), Brian Sikes (Cargill), Jane Fraser (Citigroup), Chuck Robbins (Cisco), Jim Anderson (Coherent), H Lawrence Culp Jr (GE Aerospace), David Solomon (Goldman Sachs), Jacob Thaysen (Illumina), Michael Miebach (Mastercard), Dina Powell McCormick (Meta Platforms), Sanjay Mehrotra (Micron Technology), Cristiano Amon (Qualcomm), and Ryan McInerney (Visa).
China Confirms State Visit
The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the state visit in a post on X, stating that Trump will attend a welcome ceremony and bilateral meeting with Xi on Thursday, followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet. The two leaders will meet again on Friday for a bilateral tea and working lunch. The US plans to host Xi for a reciprocal visit later this year.
Iran and Trade on the Agenda
Senior US officials indicated that discussions will continue on Iran, with Trump and Xi having spoken multiple times about the topic. The officials noted that China's revenue provides components and potential weapons exports to Iran and Russia. Topics expected include the establishment of a US-China Board of Trade and Board of Investment, as well as agreements on aerospace, agriculture, and energy. The officials reiterated that there has been no change in US policy on Taiwan, though it remains a point of discussion between the leaders.
US Sanctions Iran-Linked Entities Over China Oil Sales
On Monday, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on 12 individuals and entities accused of facilitating Iranian oil sales to China. The sanctions target three Iran-based individuals and nine companies based in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "Iran is the head of the snake for global terrorism," and vowed to continue "Economic Fury" to deprive Iran of funding for weapons programs and terrorist proxies. The sanctions come ahead of Trump's visit and amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, which has disrupted global energy markets.
Last Evacuation Flights from Hantavirus Ship Land in Netherlands
The final evacuation flights from the hantavirus-hit ship MV Hondius landed in the Netherlands on Tuesday, carrying 28 evacuees, including passengers, crew, and medical staff. Six passengers from Australia, New Zealand, and Britain were taken to a quarantine facility before repatriation. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is sailing from Tenerife to Rotterdam for disinfection. Still onboard are 25 crew and two medical staff, along with the body of a German passenger who died during the voyage.
Brazilian Flotilla Activist Returns Home, Alleges Torture
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila returned to Sao Paulo on Monday after being detained and deported from Israel. Avila and Spanish national Abu Keshek were part of the second Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to break Israel's blockade of Gaza. They were arrested by Israeli forces and accused of aiding the enemy and contact with a terrorist group, allegations they deny. Avila claimed he suffered "all kinds of violations" during detention and witnessed abuses of Palestinian prisoners. Israel dismissed torture allegations, stating all measures were lawful. The governments of Spain and Brazil have called the detention unlawful. Avila urged defeating Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Trump, calling them war criminals.
