President Donald Trump plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the week of Sept. 20, 2025 [2], to discuss trade and security.
The summit represents a critical attempt to stabilize relations between the world's two largest economies. While the U.S. seeks to address specific geopolitical frictions, China said it wants more stability and certainty in the bilateral relationship [1, 3].
Details regarding the location of the meeting vary. Beijing officials said Trump will visit China to meet in Beijing [1]. Other reports indicate the meeting will take place during the APEC summit [2].
The agenda for the talks is expected to be broad. The U.S. aims to address trade imbalances and the security of Taiwan [1, 3]. Additionally, Trump plans to discuss the activities of Iran [1, 3].
If the visit to Beijing proceeds, Trump would be the first U.S. president to visit China since 2017 [1]. This return to direct diplomatic engagement follows a period of significant tension over economic policies and regional influence.
The timing of the meeting coincides with a broader push for diplomatic certainty. China's emphasis on stability suggests a desire to avoid further escalation in trade disputes or military posturing in the Pacific.
“China says it wants "more stability and certainty" in U.S.–China relations”
This summit marks a pivot toward direct high-level diplomacy to manage systemic competition. By combining trade negotiations with security discussions on Iran and Taiwan, the U.S. is attempting to leverage economic pressure to achieve geopolitical concessions, while China is seeking a predictable environment to ensure domestic economic stability.
