Trump-Xi Summit Expected to Focus on Iran, Trade and AI

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet in Beijing this week for talks expected to cover a broad range of geopolitical and economic issues, including Iran, Taiwan, global trade, artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Trump described his relationship with Xi as strong and emphasized ongoing business ties between the two countries.

“I have a great relationship with President Xi Jinping,” Trump said, adding that the United States is now pursuing what he called “smart business” dealings with China after years of being “taken advantage of” by previous administrations.

The meeting is also expected to include a delegation of top American business leaders and chief executives, signaling an effort to stabilize commercial relations between Washington and Beijing despite continuing tensions on trade and security matters.

Former deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland said she does not expect major breakthroughs from the summit but believes both sides are seeking a steadier relationship.

McFarland said Iran is likely to become a central topic in the discussions, particularly because of China’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil supplies. She argued that disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf are having a major effect on China’s economy and industrial capabilities.

According to McFarland, China is currently struggling to secure not only Iranian oil but also supplies from Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. She added that reduced imports from Venezuela are further straining China’s energy needs, affecting sectors tied to petrochemicals and artificial intelligence development.

McFarland suggested Chinese officials may be pressuring Iran to quickly resolve regional tensions in order to restore stable energy flows. She said she expects Trump and Xi to discuss the issue directly during their meeting.

The interview also touched on U.S.-China competition in artificial intelligence and concerns over classified information. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently said Senator Mark Kelly could face a legal review after publicly discussing a classified briefing.

Kelly has argued that efforts to punish him or reduce his pension benefits could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court. McFarland criticized the senator, accusing him of seeking publicity rather than supporting U.S. military personnel.

The discussion later shifted to Trump’s remarks about potentially making Venezuela “America’s 51st state,” a suggestion he raised during a recent interview.

McFarland dismissed the idea as political trolling, saying Trump often makes provocative comments for attention. She argued the United States already has what it needs from Venezuela through influence over its oil sector and by limiting Chinese and Russian involvement in the region.

She added that maintaining a close and prosperous relationship with Venezuela was more important than formally incorporating the country into the United States.