Trump heads to Beijing for Xi summit, downplays Iran differences

Tuesday, May 12, 2026Developing

Politics Desk

What we know

U.S. President Donald Trump left the White House on Tuesday for a high-stakes state visit to Beijing and summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, AP, CBS, ABC and NPR reported.

Speaking to reporters before Marine One departed for Joint Base Andrews, Trump downplayed differences with Xi over the U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran, saying China had been "relatively good" and that "I don't think we need any help with Iran," while also saying the leaders would have a "long talk" about the war. Trade, energy, Taiwan and fentanyl precursor controls are also on the agenda. Substantive Xi bilaterals are set after Trump's Wednesday arrival in Beijing.

What's confirmed

AP: Trump headed to Beijing Tuesday after downplaying Xi differences on Iran; said Iran is "very much under control" and predicted "good things" from the summit (AP).
CBS: Trump left the White House Tuesday for the delayed China trip; trade, Iran/Hormuz and Taiwan flagged as core topics (CBS).
ABC: Departure Q&A covered Iran war posture, trade and the Beijing meeting with Xi (ABC).
NPR: Coverage of the China state visit framed Iran war, trade imbalances and Taiwan as the summit agenda (NPR).
NYT: Live Iran-war updates noted Trump's Tuesday Beijing departure and his claim Iran would not be a significant summit subject (NYT).

What's still developing

Whether Thursday Great Hall talks yield concrete moves on Hormuz, tariffs or Taiwan arms sales.
How far Trump presses Xi on Iranian oil and Strait of Hormuz shipping after recent China-related sanctions.
Scope of U.S. business-delegation deals traveling with the president.

Sources

AP — Trump downplays differences with China's Xi over Iran as he heads to Beijing for high-stakes summit link
AP — Trump departs Washington for high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping link
CBS — Trump heads to China for high-stakes meeting with Xi. Here's what's on the agenda. link
ABC — President Trump addresses the media before departing for China link
NPR — Trump lands in China as Iran war smolders link
NYT — Iran War Live Updates: Trump Says Iran Must Make Deal or Face Renewed Attacks link