by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
BEIJING (Worthy News) – China’s leader, Xi Jinping, urged the United States to become “partners, not rivals” Thursday as he welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing for high-stakes talks overshadowed by tensions over trade, Taiwan, Iran, and technology competition.
Trump responded by calling President Xi “a great leader” and saying relations between the world’s two largest economies would become “better than ever before.”
The two leaders shook hands on a red carpet outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People before inspecting an honor guard and greeting cheering children during an elaborate state welcome ceremony.
The summit marks Trump’s first visit to China since 2017 and comes as Beijing seeks to project itself as a stable global power amid growing geopolitical tensions.
KEY GLOBAL ISSUES
Despite warm public remarks, major disputes are expected to dominate the summit, including tariffs, access for American companies to Chinese markets, the war involving Iran, and the future of Taiwan.
According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Xi warned that Taiwan remains “the most critical matter” in China-U.S. relations.
“If handled correctly, the bilateral relationship can maintain overall stability,” Xi reportedly said. “If handled poorly, the two nations risk collision or even conflict.”
Xi also reiterated Beijing’s opposition to Taiwanese independence, saying peace in the Taiwan Strait depended on preventing separatist moves.
Before arriving in Beijing, Trump said he would urge China to “open up” further to U.S. industry and investment.
BUSINESS LEADERS JOIN TRUMP
Trump was accompanied by several high-profile American business leaders, including Elon Musk of Tesla, known for electric vehicles and battery technology; Jensen Huang of Nvidia, a leading producer of artificial intelligence and computer chips; Tim Cook of Apple, maker of the iPhone and other consumer electronics; and Kelly Ortberg of Boeing, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers.
Chinese state television showed the executives entering the venue where the summit was taking place, highlighting Beijing’s efforts to reassure global investors despite continuing economic and political frictions.
Analysts said financial markets were closely watching the summit for signs of improved stability between Washington and Beijing.
Currency strategists suggested that easing tensions could strengthen confidence across Asia, benefiting currencies including the Taiwanese dollar and South Korean won.
The two presidents were expected to attend a state banquet later Thursday evening.
HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS
It remained unclear whether concerns about reported human rights violations in Communist-run China would be discussed.
Rights groups accuse China’s Communist government of maintaining an authoritarian system that suppresses political opposition and restricts freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly while expanding mass surveillance systems.
NOW: President Trump and President Xi visit Temple of Heaven after having “great” talks.
“China is beautiful.” pic.twitter.com/xUEiLsm6Un
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Particular concerns have focused on the treatment of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in the Xinjiang region, where rights organizations allege forced labor, mass detentions, sterilizations, and destruction of cultural and religious sites.
Critics have also pointed to restrictions on religious freedom in Tibet, the crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong under the National Security Law, and the detention of journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders.
China rejects many of the allegations, insisting its policies are aimed at maintaining social stability, fighting extremism, and promoting economic development.
Advocacy group Open Doors ranks China 17th on its 2026 World Watch List of countries where it says Christians face the most severe persecution and discrimination for their faith.
Rights groups and researchers estimate that China is home to more than 100 million Christians, including members of state-recognized churches and underground house churches that often face pressure, surveillance, raids, and arrests.
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