The two most powerful men in the world will meet again: What you need to know

2026-05-10 22:10:28Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Xi and Trump

 

The Iran war, trade, artificial intelligence and Taiwan are expected to be on the agenda. But expectations are modest.

President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to meet next week in Beijing, in a summit that could strongly influence relations between the world's two largest powers.

The two leaders will discuss the war with Iran, trade, Taiwan and other sensitive issues. The meeting comes at a time when the fragile truce between the United States and China, reached after last year's bitter trade clash, is being tested again.

Much has changed since the last meeting. Trump is now embroiled in a war with Iran, China's closest partner in the Middle East, a conflict that has caused an energy crisis and diverted American military attention from Asia. At the same time, Xi is facing weaker economic growth, higher energy prices and the risk of a global recession.

What will be discussed?

The US will focus on trade and investment, seeking more Chinese purchases of American products, such as Boeing planes, beef and soybeans. Washington also seeks new structures for economic cooperation that do not affect national security.

China, for its part, will push on three main topics: tariffs, technology and Taiwan. Beijing wants an extension of the trade truce, easing restrictions on advanced chips and less American support for Taiwan.

Trump is also expected to ask China to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The talks could also include artificial intelligence, security in the South China Sea and the issue of fentanyl.

What are the possible outcomes?

Expectations for a major deal are low. A package of limited agreements and an extension of the trade ceasefire seem more likely.

According to analysts, this summit is more likely to serve as a step to keep the dialogue open and give both sides time as they try to reduce dependence on each other.

What could go wrong?

War with Iran remains the most dangerous point. Xi has indirectly criticized the US for ignoring international law, while China, while calling on the Iranians to negotiate, does not seem willing to take on the burden of resolving the crisis.

At the same time, both sides are strengthening their weapons of economic warfare. The US has sanctioned Chinese companies for their ties to Iranian oil, while Beijing has responded by ordering its own companies not to implement these measures.

So the summit may bring a temporary reprieve, but not a major solution. The US-China rivalry remains open and deep./ The New York Times


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