On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump embarked on a visit to China, kicking off a three-day state visit. As the saying goes, “An army marches on its stomach.” The day before Trump’s departure, multiple US military C-17 “Globemaster” transport planes had already landed at Beijing Capital International Airport.
The “Trump-Xi Summit” comes at a time when the US and Iran conflict has caused global energy instability. Both sides are seeking to maintain a fragile truce in trade amid the Iran situation, Taiwan issue, and the tech Cold War.
Before the White House officially announced the schedule, several US military C-17 “Globemaster” transport planes had already landed at Beijing Capital Airport.
It is reported that this batch of aircraft carried items including the President’s dedicated limousine “The Beast,” armed bulletproof convoy, and communication relay equipment. This practice of “baggage first, owner to follow” not only showcases the US’s strong logistical capabilities but is also seen as Trump’s display of deterrence toward China.
To welcome Trump’s visit, Beijing has implemented extremely high-level security measures:
– Enhanced control: Significant traffic control measures have been implemented along Chang’an Avenue, around the Temple of Heaven, and the vicinity of Zhongnanhai, with some areas being cordoned off.
– No-fly zone: Small aircraft (such as drones) are banned from flying over the entire Beijing area, with the core zone even deploying anti-drone electronic interference systems.
– Identity check: Hotels, tourist attractions, and main streets have seen an increase in armed police and plainclothes personnel, conducting thorough checks of pedestrians and surrounding high-rise tenants.
Trump’s entourage for this visit to China is considered the strongest in history and includes soon-to-step-down Apple CEO Tim Cook, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, as well as 17 top tech and financial giants like Micron, Qualcomm, and Boeing.
Trump aims to secure major procurement deals, such as Boeing aircraft, energy, and soybeans. Whether this trip will lead to a series of tech trades like the Middle East visit in May 2025, remains to be seen.
The core issues of this summit are focused on the “4Ts,” namely:
– Trade: Extending the tariff truce agreement reached in October 2025;
– Technology: Discussions on AI governance and export restrictions;
– Taiwan: China insists on its red line, while Trump suggests support for Taiwan will be on the agenda.
– Tehran/Iran: The US urgently needs China to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday evening, attend a state banquet on Thursday, and have tea with Xi Jinping on Friday before departing.