The second day of President Trump’s summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing saw public displays of diplomacy balanced by private warnings over Taiwan, as both leaders discussed trade, business, and farmers.
During the summit's closing meeting at Zhongnanhai, China's leadership compound, the two presidents declared they had settled many problems. "We've made some fantastic trade deals," Trump told reporters after a working lunch with Xi Jinping on Friday. He also mentioned that China committed to purchasing 200 Boeing jets, although details remain vague.
Trade negotiations between the U.S. and China have been ongoing for months, focusing on agricultural products and non-sensitive goods. According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, China is expected to commit at least $10 billion in annual purchases of American agricultural items over three years beyond existing soybean commitments.
While trade talks advanced, President Trump expressed optimism about the relationship between their countries but also hinted at underlying tensions. In private meetings with Xi Jinping, he was warned that mismanagement on Taiwan could have serious consequences for U.S.-China relations.
The summit's public facade of friendship and cooperation contrasted sharply with behind-the-scenes diplomacy. During a stroll through Zhongnanhai’s gardens, Trump declared the flowers "the most beautiful roses anyone has ever seen." Xi reciprocated by promising to send him seeds from his own garden.
Despite efforts at reconciliation, China hawks within President Trump's administration worked hard in recent weeks to undermine potential rapprochement. They sought to limit any perceived gains for Beijing and ensure that the U.S.-China relationship continues on a path of decoupling, a process initiated by previous administrations but accelerated during Trump’s presidency.
Both leaders also discussed Iran, with Trump stating they want "the straits open" while Xi indicated China would not supply military equipment to Tehran. However, both sides remained ambiguous about specific commitments regarding oil trade and nuclear proliferation concerns in the region.
As the summit draws to a close, observers expect further negotiations on these issues but acknowledge that substantial progress will be challenging given the historical context of U.S.-China relations.
This article was produced by AVALW News on Friday, May 15, 2026 based on reporting from 9 verified news sources. Our editorial process cross-references facts from multiple independent outlets to deliver accurate, comprehensive coverage. All original sources are linked below.