Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Musk, Cook, BlackRock CEOs Join Trump’s China Delegation

5/12/2026

34 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The delegation includes a record number of high-tech and financial CEOs, signaling deeper corporate involvement in U.S.–China diplomacy.
Elon Musk (Tesla), Tim Cook (Apple) and leaders from BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Boeing and major chip makers join the delegation.
U.S. President Donald Trump will travel to China May 13-15 to meet Xi Jinping, with talks on trade, AI, export controls and Taiwan.

History

Historical Context

Nixon’s February 21-28, 1972 trip to Beijing, arranged by Henry Kissinger, broke 23 years of U.S.–China diplomatic silence and produced the Shanghai Communiqué, paving the way for full recognition in 1979. Today, President Donald Trump convenes CEOs such as Elon Musk and Tim Cook with Xi Jinping, echoing the 1972 precedent that corporate influence can shape bilateral policy.

1 of 2

Story summary

The delegation includes a record number of high-tech and financial CEOs, signaling deeper corporate involvement in U.S.–China diplomacy.
Elon Musk (Tesla), Tim Cook (Apple) and leaders from BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Boeing and major chip makers join the delegation.
U.S. President Donald Trump will travel to China May 13-15 to meet Xi Jinping, with talks on trade, AI, export controls and Taiwan.

1 / 2