Story perspectives

Trump to Press Xi on Fentanyl, Iran Oil Leverage

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 2:50 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on September 24.
Trump urged Beijing to intensify action on fentanyl precursor chemicals days before the summit.
The United States will ask China to pressure Iran using its oil-buyer leverage.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will discuss AI risks, saying the United States remains AI leader.
Trade talks will seek to extend the tariff truce expiring November 10 and a $30 billion reduction.

History

Historical Context

In February 27 1972, President Richard Nixon and Premier Zhou Enlai signed the Shanghai Communiqué, ending 23 years of no official U.S.–China diplomatic ties and opening the path to full normalization in 1979. Brokered by Henry Kissinger, the agreement shifted Cold-War dynamics and laid a trade foundation that today underpins the Trump-Xi summit on security and technology.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on September 24.
Trump urged Beijing to intensify action on fentanyl precursor chemicals days before the summit.
The United States will ask China to pressure Iran using its oil-buyer leverage.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will discuss AI risks, saying the United States remains AI leader.
Trade talks will seek to extend the tariff truce expiring November 10 and a $30 billion reduction.

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