Speaking to reporters before leaving the White House for Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on 12/5, US President Donald Trump stated he anticipated "long discussions" with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Iran. However, he downplayed disagreements concerning Iran.
"I don't think we need any help on Iran. We will win one way or another, win in peace or by other means", Trump said.
At Andrews Air Force Base, he boarded Air Force One, commencing a 14-hour journey to Beijing. First Lady Melania is not joining the visit.
Trump's visit was initially scheduled for March but was postponed due to the Iran conflict. This marks his first visit to China since his state visit in 2017 during his first term.
On 11/5, the US president announced he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, signaling a shift from Washington's longstanding position of not discussing aid to the island with Beijing.
China's rare earth export controls and the turbulent trade relationship between the two nations are also expected to be on the agenda.
Beijing heightened security controls from 12/5, with police monitoring major intersections and checking identification for subway passengers.
"This is a very important event. Both sides will certainly achieve some progress", said Wen Wen, 24, from Nanjing. She expressed hope that China and the US could maintain "long-term harmony" despite "recent global instability".
US-China relations face numerous disagreements, ranging from trade and access to strategic resources to the Taiwan issue. Tensions between the two countries escalated after Trump imposed significant tariffs on China early in his second term. Beijing also implemented a strong boycott of US agricultural products for most of last year.
Tensions eased following a meeting between leaders of the two nations in South Korea last year, where they reached an agreement to halt tariff escalation for one year and stabilize relations.
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Trump waves from Air Force One. Photo: *Reuters* |
China's substantial trade surplus with the US has long irritated Trump, leading him to impose tariffs on Chinese goods during his first term.
Trump's delegation to China includes several corporate leaders, among them Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. Ortberg stated that Boeing hopes the Trump administration will help the company secure large orders from China.
The US-Israel initiated conflict targeting Iran earlier this year has created new challenges for Beijing-Washington relations. On 11/5, the US Treasury Department sanctioned 12 individuals and entities, including several in Hong Kong, accused of facilitating the sale and shipment of Iranian oil to China.
When questioned about this action, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun declared that Beijing "firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions".
By Huyen Le (AFP)
