NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump has departed for a high-stakes visit to China, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping amid escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict with Iran. The summit in Beijing is expected to focus on trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the worsening security situation in the Middle East.

The Iran crisis is expected to dominate behind-the-scenes discussions as Washington seeks Beijing’s cooperation in stabilising energy markets and reducing tensions around the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. Reports suggest the US administration hopes China can use its influence over Tehran to prevent further escalation in the region.

Trump, however, has publicly downplayed differences with China over Iran, saying trade and economic cooperation would remain the primary focus of the visit. The US president is accompanied by several leading American business executives as both nations explore potential trade agreements and technology cooperation despite ongoing geopolitical strains.

The Beijing visit marks the first trip by a sitting US president to China in nearly a decade and comes at a time when global markets remain volatile due to the Iran conflict and disruptions in international shipping and oil supply chains. Analysts believe the outcome of the summit could significantly influence future US-China relations and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.