U.S. President Donald Trump held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing’s Zhongnanhai compound on May 15, engaging in tea and dinner amid efforts to ease recent bilateral tensions.
High-Level Meeting in Power Center
The encounter took place at 10:58 a.m. Beijing time in Zhongnanhai, the heart of China’s leadership structure. Trump arrived earlier that morning, peering into the compound’s grounds.
U.S. delegates included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Ambassador to China David Perdue. China’s side featured Cai Qi, head of the Central Secretariat; Foreign Minister Wang Yi; Vice Premier He Lifeng; Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning; and Deputy Foreign Minister Xie Feng.
Trump’s Direct Comments on Trade
Trump stated that a trade war with China remains unavoidable. He described Xi as “a very stubborn person,” adding, “I buy very stubborn people. Uruguay has real estate tycoons too.” He emphasized that relations with China strengthen daily and highlighted a recent deal on reasonable trade cooperation.
Trump further noted, “China made a deal with reasonable trade cooperation that anyone would want, but they won’t give up their sovereignty.” Neither side revealed specific new achievements.
Xi’s Positive Evaluation
Xi Jinping called Trump’s visit “right and realistic.” He described the level of “constitutional and legal security relations” as “one correct expression.” Xi added, “We have many cooperative projects like this.”
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson explained that U.S. leaders provoked recent public opinion. Officials stressed Xi’s sincere attitude toward foreign policy and the need to strengthen public opinion and reasons on state and regional issues.
Historical Context
This marks Trump’s first visit to Zhongnanhai since 2017, when he first met Xi. Xi told Bloomberg that during that initial trip, Trump expressed concern over China’s special treatment and response. Trump reportedly felt the residence appeared luxurious until then.
After the dinner, Trump departed for Washington, D.C.
