[ANALYSIS] Trump-Xi Summit: Leaders strike positive tone as trade, Taiwan and tech discussions continue

OVERVIEW

US President Trump and Chinese President Xi struck a notably warm tone during talks in Beijing, with both leaders emphasising cooperation and future ties.
Trade discussions remained a core focus, with reports yesterday suggesting the US and China are weighing tariff reductions and managed trade targets.
Xi reiterated that Taiwan remains the most important issue in US-China relations and warned that mishandling the matter could lead to a clash.
Technology and commercial ties are also in focus, including NVIDIA chip approvals and renewed Chinese import licenses for US beef plants.

Trump told Xi they have had a “fantastic relationship” and will have a “fantastic future together”.
Trump said he has great respect for China and described Xi as a “great leader”.
Trump stated that US-China relations will be better than before and trade will become “totally reciprocal”.
Xi told Trump that common interests between China and the US outweigh their differences.
Xi said the success of China and the US represents an opportunity for each other and he looks forward to discussions with Trump.
Trump later said talks with Xi were “great” and described China as beautiful.

Reuters sources on Wednesday said the US and China are weighing tariff cuts on roughly USD 30bln of imports.
Reuters sources added the US is shifting focus towards numerical trade targets rather than structural economic reform.
Xi told US CEOs that China’s door “will only open wider” and welcomed stronger reciprocal cooperation with US firms.
Xi said US companies will have broader prospects in China, according to Xinhua.
China renewed export licenses for more than 400 US beef plants, according to customs data.
Semafor reported oni Wednesday the White House has not ruled out potential Chinese direct investment in the US.
Xi said talks are the only correct way to resolve disputes and reiterated there are no winners in a trade war.

Reuters sources said the US approved around 10 Chinese firms to purchase NVIDIA H200 chips.
Approved buyers reportedly include Alibaba, ByteDance, Tencent and JD.com.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said he hopes for stronger US-China ties and cited the positive relationship between the two leaders, according to CCTV.

Xi stated Taiwan is the most important issue in US-China ties and warned that mishandling the issue could lead to clashes between the two countries, according to Xinhua.

Thursday

The White House said Trump will meet Xi on Thursday at 10:15 Beijing time / 03:15BST / 22:15EDT.
Thursday is expected to be the main ceremonial and diplomatic day, including a welcome ceremony, Temple of Heaven visit, formal bilateral meeting and state banquet.
The banquet is scheduled for Thursday at 18:00 Beijing time / 11:00BST / 06:00EDT.

Friday

Discussions are expected to continue on Friday, including extended talks and a working lunch before Trump’s departure later in the day.