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According to reports, Xi plans to welcome Trump with a tour of the historic Temple of Heaven, formal meetings at the Great Hall of the People, and a state dinner attended by cabinet officials and major business leaders.

The summit also includes a traditional tea ceremony, reflecting China’s longstanding use of diplomatic symbolism during high-level state visits.

Trump and Xi have previously engaged in similarly elaborate diplomatic exchanges. During Trump’s 2017 visit to Beijing, Xi hosted him inside the Forbidden City, making Trump the first foreign leader to dine there since the founding of modern China in 1949.

Summit with China Overshadowed by Iran and Taiwan

Despite the public displays of goodwill, difficult geopolitical issues remain unresolved heading into the meetings.

The war involving Iran has become a major concern for both governments, with global markets reacting nervously to instability in the Middle East. The United States has also increased pressure on Chinese-linked oil shipments connected to Iran, adding another layer of friction between the two powers.

Taiwan is expected to emerge as one of the most sensitive topics during the summit.

China views the self-governing island as part of its territory and has consistently opposed U.S. military and political support for Taipei. Xi is reportedly expected to push Trump to soften Washington’s language and military commitments regarding Taiwan.

Background information regarding U.S. policy toward Taiwan is available through the American Institute in Taiwan and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Trump signaled earlier this week that Taiwan-related issues could be discussed directly during the summit, including a proposed multibillion-dollar American arms package for Taipei.

Analysts note that any changes to long-standing U.S. policy language on Taiwan could have major geopolitical implications throughout Asia.

Trump and Xi Maintain a Unique Political Relationship

The personal relationship between Trump and Xi continues to attract significant attention from diplomats and foreign policy observers.

While Trump rose to political prominence criticizing China over trade and manufacturing practices, he has repeatedly described Xi as a respected friend and strong leader. Former administration officials have noted that Trump often adopts a less confrontational tone with Xi than with many other world leaders.

That dynamic has sparked criticism from some former officials, including John Bolton, who has argued Trump was sometimes reluctant to challenge Xi aggressively on issues involving human rights or authoritarian governance.