US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a summit on May 15, 2026, focused on securing trade agreements in several sectors amid rising tensions over Taiwan [1, 2]. Trump announced an agreement for China to purchase 200 Boeing jets, a key part of the aviation deal, describing Xi as a "great leader" and "friend" [1, 2]. While Trump hailed an "incredible rise" of the US, Xi referred to the US as a "declining nation," a contrast Trump responded to on social media earlier that day [1].
Chinese President Xi delivered a sharp warning about the possibility of conflict between the US and China if missteps occur over Taiwan. He issued this warning on May 14 and reiterated it during the summit [1]. Xi linked the tension to the "Thucydides Trap" theory, where rising powers risk clashes with established ones but expressed hope that both nations could avoid it [1].
On geopolitical issues, Xi assured Trump that China would not supply Iran with military equipment. He also emphasized the desire to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for energy transport, a major international shipping route [1].
Though at least one source suggested Trump's announcement of 200 Boeing jets was below expectations, other reporting only confirmed the 200-jet figure without outlining broader expectations [1, 2].
The leaders’ final talks combined attempts at securing trade progress in aviation, agriculture, and artificial intelligence with discussions on sensitive geopolitical matters including Iran and regional security [1, 2].
