Donald Trump is expected in China to talk with President Xi Jinping about ending the Iran war. This visit marks the first by a US president to China in nine years and will be accompanied by images of American military aircraft landing in Beijing. Chinese social media also show black SUVs with American license plates, highlighting the tension ahead of the meeting.
Trump arrives in Beijing in a weak negotiating position. Sources have expressed concerns about the lack of substantive preparation for the state visit. Jon Czin, a former China analyst, stated, "Beijing wants to gain time, maneuvering space, and relief from American pressure to prepare for the next round of confrontation."
China's expectations for the visit are low. Discussions revolve around the three B's: Boeing, (soy)beans, and Board of Trade. Beijing may offer to purchase American aircraft, which would also serve as leverage against European manufacturers like Airbus. Buying soybeans from US states that favor Trump would incur minimal costs for China.
A communication channel between the two countries has existed since last year at the trade level. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng have quickly arranged a planning meeting in Seoul to finalize the agreements for the state visit. These talks indicate that negotiations could not be solidified until just before Trump's arrival.
