China has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will undertake a state visit from May 13 to 15, where he is expected to hold discussions with President Xi Jinping on the ongoing Iran conflict and bilateral trade relations.
According to a statement from China’s foreign ministry on Monday, the visit follows an invitation from President Xi and marks Trump’s first trip to China during his current term.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade tariffs, the war involving Iran, and Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
Trump had originally been scheduled to visit China earlier in the year but postponed the trip to focus on developments in the Middle East conflict involving Iran.
During the visit, U.S. officials say Trump is expected to press Beijing on its economic ties with Iran, particularly its continued import of Iranian oil through independent refineries. China remains one of Iran’s key energy buyers despite international sanctions.
A White House spokesperson described the visit as carrying “tremendous symbolic significance,” adding that Trump’s engagements are expected to focus on securing economic agreements alongside strategic discussions.
The itinerary reportedly includes ceremonial events in Beijing, including a visit to the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet hosted by Chinese leadership.
The trip marks the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to China since 2017 and is being closely watched amid ongoing geopolitical and economic friction between the two powers.
Officials from both sides have indicated that discussions will also cover broader regional security issues, including developments in the Middle East.