Trump, Xi wind down state visit with Taiwan warnings, trade deals dominating talks

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Friday to wrap up a two-day state visit in Beijing.

The conversations between the world leaders focused on divisive issues such as the Iran war, trade, technology, and a stark warning about Taiwan.

Trump and Xi are scheduled to have tea and lunch before Trump departs for the United States. 

US President Donald Trump (R) and China's President Xi Jinping inspect a guard of honour during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. (Photo by Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Here's the latest: 

In a closed-door meeting on Thursday, Xi warned Trump that differences over Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing claims as its own territory, could bring the U.S. and China into clashes or conflict. 

Meanwhile, in December, Trump authorized an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, but has not yet moved forward with delivery. 

What they're saying:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio later warned that it would be "a terrible mistake" for China to take Taiwan by force.

Trump also hopes to focus talks on trade and deals for China to buy more agricultural products and passenger planes, setting up a board to address their differences and avoid a repeat of the trade war ignited last year after Trump’s tariff hikes.