Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have begun high level talks in Beijing after a formal welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People.
The meeting brings together the leaders of the United States and China at a tense moment for global politics, with trade, security, technology and the conflict involving Iran expected to feature heavily in the discussions.
Trump was welcomed in Beijing as honour guards gathered near Tiananmen Square. Senior US officials, including secretary of state Marco Rubio and defence secretary Pete Hegseth, were also reported to be present for the visit.
One major issue expected to be raised is the conflict linked to Iran. Rubio said US officials wanted China to take a more active role in helping reduce tensions, with Washington arguing that Beijing has its own interest in preventing further instability in the region.
Technology is also likely to be part of the talks. Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang was reported to have joined the US president on the trip, with semiconductor exports and artificial intelligence expected to remain sensitive issues between Washington and Beijing.
The summit may also include discussion of nuclear arms limits. A senior Trump administration official said the president intended to raise the possibility of a wider agreement involving the US, China and Russia.
China has previously been cautious about joining nuclear arms control arrangements with Washington and Moscow. The issue is complicated by the large difference between China’s nuclear stockpile and the much larger arsenals held by the United States and Russia.
The talks are being watched closely because they come at a time when relations between the two countries remain strained by trade disputes, security concerns and competition over advanced technology.
While a major breakthrough is not guaranteed, the summit may give both sides a chance to stabilise communication and reduce the risk of further escalation.