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Trump and Xi to Meet Amid Heightened Trade Tensions

3/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14–15, 2025.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Xi Jinping will visit the United States later this year.
Leavitt denied any preconditions, despite a poll showing significant US disapproval of the war.
Tariff rulings heighten trade tensions.
The war has affected global oil trade, with China heavily reliant on Iranian oil.

History

Historical Context

The U.S.-China trade war began in 2018 when President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods, aiming to address alleged unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. This conflict escalated tensions between Trump and President Xi Jinping, leading to retaliatory tariffs and economic uncertainty. As of 2025, the trade relationship remains strained, impacting global trade dynamics significantly.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14–15, 2025.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Xi Jinping will visit the United States later this year.
Leavitt denied any preconditions, despite a poll showing significant US disapproval of the war.
Tariff rulings heighten trade tensions.
The war has affected global oil trade, with China heavily reliant on Iranian oil.

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