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Trump touts “fantastic trade deals” after meeting with China’s Xi


President Trump said Friday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping made some “fantastic trade deals” during this week’s summit in Beijing, as both countries look to claim the visit as a win — and aim to keep their relationship on a stable footing after last year’s trade war.

The leaders of the two superpowers are holding a bilateral meeting and lunch at China’s seat of power — the Zhongnanhai Garden compound — late Friday morning local time, before Mr. Trump leaves China and heads back to Washington. They met for tea and walked around the centuries-old gardens, mostly out of earshot of reporters.

In brief remarks in front of cameras, Mr. Trump called the trip an “incredible visit” and said “a lot of good has come of it.” Beyond trade, he said the two leaders “feel very similar on Iran,” and noted that both countries want the Strait of Hormuz — a key chokepoint that 20% of the world’s oil usually travels through — to be reopened.

Mr. Trump also said Xi is expected to visit the U.S. in September.

“The relationship is a very strong one, and we’ve really done some wonderful things,” the U.S. president said.

The two presidents previously met in a closed-door session on Thursday that lasted roughly two hours and 15 minutes, covering topics like trade, Iran and Taiwan. Mr. Trump characterized that meeting as “great.”

Mr. Trump told Fox News after Thursday’s formal meeting that Xi said he’s not going to give any military equipment to Iran, which the U.S. president called a “big statement.” It remains to be seen if Xi follows through. Mr. Trump also told Fox News that Xi wants to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed. China is Iran’s biggest oil customer.

On trade, Mr. Trump told Fox News on Thursday that China had agreed to buy Boeing jets and American soybeans

Both countries are also looking to stabilize their economic relationship after last year’s trade war, which briefly saw the two countries impose tariffs of over 100%. It’s not clear whether the two sides are close to a comprehensive trade agreement, but the Trump administration has pushed for Chinese commitments to buy U.S. goods, and the U.S. is looking to preserve American access to Chinese rare earth minerals.

A number of top business executives joined the president’s visit. Asked how the meetings had gone, Elon Musk said the talks were “wonderful” and they achieved “many good things.” Apple’s Tim Cook, gave the press a thumbs up sign.

According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Mr. Trump in Thursday’s meeting of possible “clashes and even conflicts” if the Taiwan issue isn’t “handled properly.” It was a stern warning, but the U.S. didn’t mention Taiwan in its readout of the meeting. Mr. Trump and Xi ignored questions about Taiwan. 

President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing on May 14, 2026.

Mark Schiefelbein / AP


Taiwan is central to China’s interests, as it vows to retake control of the island and refuses to rule out using military force to accomplish that goal. The U.S. has opposed any unilateral change to Taiwan’s status, and has provided billions in military support to the island, but has a policy of not stating outright whether it would come to Taiwan’s defense if it is invaded by China.

A regional source confirmed to CBS News’ Margaret Brennan that China brought up Taiwan in Thursday’s talks. The U.S. then acknowledged Beijing’s position and repeated Washington’s view, and the conversation moved on to the next topic. A senior administration official told CBS News’ Sara Cook that both sides reiterated their long-stated stance on the issue and everyone understands each other’s position.

Xi greeted Mr. Trump with an elaborate state visit, including a state dinner featuring an instrumental version of “YMCA,” one of the president’s favorite songs. At the banquet, Mr. Trump said he was inviting Xi and his wife for a reciprocal visit at the White House on Sept. 24. 

Donald Trump,Xi Jinping

President Trump reviews troops with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People on May 14, 2026, in Beijing.

Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool


Mr. Trump is not expected to hold a press conference with reporters before leaving Beijing, although it’s always possible he takes questions on the plane. 

The U.S. president had planned to visit China earlier this spring, but cited the war with Iran for postponing. 



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