JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump began his visit to China on Tuesday (12/5), saying the visit would be very interesting and anticipated.
The world's attention is focused on the possibility of important developments related to the Iran war and the Taiwan issue on the agenda of the talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, May 13 evening, accompanied by executives from major American companies.
He also hopes to secure a major business deal between the two countries with the world's largest economies, although US-China trade relations are marked by friction and technological competition.
"He is a person who has a good relationship with us. I think you will see good things will happen. It will be a very interesting journey," Trump said of Xi as reported by ANTARA from Kyodo.
However, many officials in Asia and other regions are highlighting the opportunities for a settlement of the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran since late February, as well as the possibility of a change in Washington's official stance on Taiwan.
Before leaving for Beijing, Trump said he would hold long talks with Xi on the conflict in the Middle East. China is the largest buyer of Iranian crude oil and an important supporter of Tehran's economy.
Amid little progress in talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Trump is expected to ask Xi to "urge" Iran to reach an agreement with the United States.
However, Trump on Tuesday said the United States did not need China's help on Iran.
A day earlier, Trump also said he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi. The issue is expected to be one of the priorities in Trump's two-day summit with Xi on Thursday (14/5) and Friday (15/5).
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has refused to sell foreign weapons to the self-governing island.
In December, Trump announced a $11 billion arms package to Taiwan, triggering a strong reaction from Beijing.
The visit was the first visit for the US president to China since November 2017. At that time, Trump came to Beijing in his first term.
Trump and Xi last met in October last year in South Korea and agreed to temporarily suspend the two countries' trade war for one year.
According to the White House, Trump and Xi's latest meeting will begin Thursday morning after an official welcoming ceremony. Both leaders are scheduled to visit the Temple of Heaven on Thursday afternoon before attending a state banquet.
Next, on Friday, Trump will have a formal lunch with Xi before returning home.
Source: Kyodo
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