Trump and Xi wrap Beijing Summit with rare Zhongnanhai tour
President Donald Trump concluded his two-day visit to China with a symbolic walk through Zhongnanhai, the fortified 14th-century compound that serves as the nerve center of Chinese Communist leadership a gesture Xi Jinping described as “extremely rare” for foreign dignitaries.
The pageant-heavy summit, light on concrete policy detail, unfolded against a backdrop of lingering trade tensions and the ongoing Iran conflict. Both leaders struck conciliatory tones throughout. Trump called the visit “incredible,” while Xi spoke of forging “a new bilateral relationship.”
Strolling past roses and centuries-old trees, the two leaders exchanged pleasantries that underscored the diplomatic theater on display. Xi promised Trump seeds from the gardens they admired; Trump called it “great.”
On substance, Trump told Fox News that Xi had pledged not to supply Iran with military weapons, though Beijing’s foreign ministry stayed silent on the claim, issuing only a broad statement about its mediation efforts.
China remains the largest oil buyer of Iran and top trade partner leverage Washington had hoped Xi would use to push Tehran toward talks.
Trade also featured prominently. Trump claimed China had agreed to purchase American oil, 200 Boeing aircraft and agricultural goods claims Beijing’s foreign ministry quickly sidestepped when pressed.
Xi referenced “a series of new consensuses” without elaborating, while analysts noted China’s global leverage has grown as it diversified trade partners to cushion against U.S. tariffs.
A follow-up summit was announced, with Xi invited to the White House in September.
