Trump and Xi to Meet Thursday as Trade Tensions, Rare Earth Access, and Middle East Crisis Top Agenda
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in a high-stakes summit between the world’s two largest economies, with both leaders expected to project stability amid mounting tensions over trade policy, access to rare earth minerals, and competition in artificial intelligence.
Trump is also expected to press Xi on Iran, specifically urging China to use its influence to compel Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring the ongoing conflict there to an end.
The meeting comes as economic friction between Washington and Beijing has intensified in recent months, with disputes over tariffs, supply chains, and strategic technology access straining the relationship ahead of the summit. Five key dynamics to watch as the two leaders prepare to sit down this week reflect the breadth of issues on the table.
Despite the tensions, officials on both sides are expected to emphasize diplomatic engagement and near-term stabilization rather than confrontation when they meet Thursday.