Trump, wrapping up meetings in Beijing before returning to Washington, described ties with China as being in “a good place” and said Xi had congratulated him on recent political and diplomatic successes during their discussions.

The optimistic rhetoric contrasted with persistent tensions between the world’s two largest economies, particularly over Taiwan and the ongoing Iran conflict, which has disrupted global energy markets and intensified geopolitical competition.

Chinese officials said Xi warned Trump during private talks that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push the two powers toward “clashes and even conflicts,” underscoring Beijing’s view that the self-ruled island remains its most sensitive sovereignty concern.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington’s policy toward Taiwan remained unchanged and cautioned Beijing against attempting to take the island by force.

“It would be a terrible mistake,” Rubio told NBC News, adding that both sides routinely reiterated their established positions during high-level engagements.
Taiwan has emerged as a growing source of friction in U.S.-China relations amid expanded American arms support for Taipei and increasing Chinese military pressure around the island.

The White House announced an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan in December, the largest approved for the island, although deliveries have yet to begin.
Trump has also pressed Taiwan to raise defense spending and expand investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, while calling for Taipei to increase purchases of American energy exports.

China has intensified its rhetoric in recent weeks, emphasizing that Taiwan lies at the “core” of its national interests. Analysts in Taiwan said Beijing’s sharper tone reflected growing concern over deepening defense cooperation between Washington and Taipei.

Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz also featured prominently in discussions between Trump and Xi, according to U.S. officials.

Trump said both leaders agreed the strategic waterway should reopen after disruptions linked to the Iran conflict sharply reduced oil shipments and fueled volatility in global energy markets. Before the conflict erupted on Feb. 28, roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the strait.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Xi had privately offered assistance in resolving the conflict and expressed opposition to imposing tolls on vessels crossing Hormuz.

“He’d like to see the Hormuz Strait open,” Trump said, adding that Xi indicated China could consider purchasing more U.S. oil to reduce reliance on Gulf supplies over time.

Beijing has criticized U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran but also faces economic risks from prolonged instability in the Gulf, given China’s dependence on imported energy and export-driven growth model.

Rubio said administration officials sought to persuade Chinese counterparts that resolving the conflict aligned with Beijing’s economic interests, warning that sustained turmoil could weaken global demand and harm Chinese exports.

Trade and investment were also central to the visit, with the White House signaling before Trump’s arrival that it expected concrete economic outcomes from the trip.

Trump said Xi had indicated China could purchase 200 Boeing aircraft from the United States, while both governments discussed increasing Chinese imports of U.S. agricultural products including soybeans and beef.
The two sides also explored expanding bilateral investment opportunities and establishing a joint trade board aimed at managing commercial disputes, according to the White House.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized stability and cooperation during meetings with senior American business executives accompanying Trump’s delegation, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook and Jensen Huang.

“China and the United States have been able to maintain frank and smooth dialogue and communication,” Li said, while calling for both sides to safeguard stable bilateral ties amid global uncertainty.