Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with U.S. President Trump at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Great Hall of the People, welcoming him with a grand ceremony. However, such a grand reception cannot conceal the deep-seated tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump arrived in Beijing last night aboard Air Force One to commence his two-day summit visit. As Trump descended from the plane and walked the red carpet, about 300 Chinese youths in white uniforms waved small Chinese and American flags in welcome.
The two leaders will attend a state banquet that evening at the Great Hall of the People, and Trump will also visit the historic Temple of Heaven.
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said in a Fox News interview aboard Air Force One that the United States hopes to persuade China to play a more active role in urging Iran to stop its actions in the Persian Gulf.
He pointed out: "Chinese ships are trapped in the Persian Gulf… A Chinese cargo ship was attacked last weekend. I am sure Iran did not do so intentionally, but it did happen. That is why these Chinese ships are stranded there."
He mentioned: "This is a major source of instability. Since Asia is highly dependent on these straits for energy transport, the threat to Asian stability may be greater than in any other region of the world."
Rubio also said: "It is in (China's) interest to resolve this matter. We hope to persuade them to play a more active role to get Iran to stop its current actions and intentions in the Persian Gulf."
Regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, there is speculation that Beijing will push Trump to change Washington’s rhetoric on Taiwan. However, according to The Economist, relevant sources do not expect this round of talks to bring major changes on the Taiwan issue. Still, Chinese officials appear to be seeking some sort of “shadow agreement”—meaning that Trump may make concessions without the need for a written agreement, which also gives Trump more motivation to avoid provoking Xi Jinping.