Donald Trump returned to the U.S. after concluding a three-day visit to China, describing his talks with Xi Jinping as highly successful despite continuing disagreements over Taiwan, trade, and the Iran war.
On 16 May 2026 GMT+7, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived back at the White House in Washington, D.C., after completing an official visit to China. This marked a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan, and the Iran war.
Trump stated that this visit to China was extremely successful, with both sides making progress in maintaining stability in relations between the world’s two superpowers, despite ongoing differences on several key issues. One of the most sensitive topics was Taiwan, with President Xi personally warning Trump that the Taiwan dispute—considered by China as part of its territory—could lead to clashes or conflict between China and the U.S. if mishandled.
After the talks, Trump revealed he has not yet decided whether to proceed with a major U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, a move China has consistently opposed.
Regarding the Iran war, Trump said Xi expressed a desire for China to play a role in promoting negotiations to end the conflict and to support reopening shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The Middle East conflict has impacted the global economy and energy prices.
Trump also stated that the Chinese leader assured him China would not supply weapons or military equipment to Iran, a matter closely monitored by the U.S. and Israel in recent times.
Although both sides aimed to signal reduced tensions, analysts believe the strategic conflict between the U.S. and China remains, especially concerning Taiwan, advanced technology, and geopolitical influence in Asia and the Middle East, posing major challenges for future bilateral relations.
Source: AP