NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held crucial high-level talks in Beijing as the world’s two largest economies sought to stabilise relations amid rising geopolitical and economic tensions.

The two-day summit focused on key issues including trade disputes, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, global security, and the ongoing Iran conflict, which continues to disrupt global energy markets and international supply chains.

Trump’s visit marks the first trip to China by a sitting US president in nearly a decade and comes at a time of heightened uncertainty in global markets due to inflation pressures, trade tensions, and instability in the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders discussed extending the fragile trade truce reached last year and explored mechanisms to ease commercial disputes between the two countries.

Taiwan emerged as one of the most sensitive issues during the discussions, with Xi Jinping warning that mishandling the matter could trigger serious confrontation between the two nations. Beijing has repeatedly opposed US arms sales and military cooperation with Taiwan, while Washington continues to maintain strategic support for the self-governed island.

Artificial intelligence and advanced technology competition also featured prominently on the agenda, as both nations seek dominance in emerging technologies, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI-driven economic growth. Senior American business leaders including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang accompanied Trump during the visit, underlining the importance of economic and technology cooperation.

The ongoing Iran conflict cast a major shadow over the summit, with the United States reportedly seeking China’s diplomatic support to reduce tensions in the Middle East and help stabilise global oil supplies. However, analysts believe Beijing is unlikely to significantly alter its strategic ties with Tehran despite growing international pressure.

Both leaders projected a cooperative tone during the opening ceremony at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, emphasising the need for stability and communication between the two global powers despite deep strategic differences.