Trump expects Taiwan, energy to top agenda in upcoming China visit
Synopsis
Trump said Xi will likely raise Taiwan more than he will — and that strong US leadership will prevent a crisis. With energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and Iran also on the table, the upcoming US-China summit is shaping up as one of the most consequential diplomatic meetings of Trump's second term.
Key Takeaways
President Trump on 11 May confirmed Taiwan and energy security will be key topics in his upcoming China summit with Xi Jinping .
Trump said Xi will likely raise Taiwan first, adding: "I think we will be fine." Trump cited that China relies on 40% of its oil from the Strait of Hormuz , linking Beijing's interest in West Asia stability to summit discussions.
Iran and energy were described as "major topics" for the summit.
Trump criticised former President Joe Biden over US-China relations, claiming previous administrations allowed Beijing to take advantage of the US.
Trump also noted regional support for Taiwan from Japan and neighbouring countries.
US President Donald Trump on Monday, 11 May said he expected Taiwan and energy security to dominate discussions during his upcoming visit to China, while expressing confidence that tensions over Taiwan would not escalate under his watch. The remarks were made during a White House maternal healthcare event, where Trump also lavished praise on Chinese President Xi Jinping and sharply criticised his predecessor over US-China relations.
Trump on His Relationship With Xi
Trump repeatedly described Xi in glowing terms, calling him
Point of View
Even as Taiwan's security situation remains unresolved. His linking of the Hormuz oil dependency to Chinese incentives for regional calm is strategically pointed, but it also reveals Washington's implicit bargaining logic: Beijing's energy vulnerability as leverage. Meanwhile, the effusive praise for Xi sits awkwardly alongside the administration's broader hawkish posture on China trade and technology. The real question heading into the summit is whether personal rapport between the two leaders can translate into durable agreements — or whether it simply papers over structural rivalries that no summit communiqué can resolve.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics will Trump and Xi discuss during the China summit?
Trump has said Taiwan and energy security will be the dominant topics, with Iran also on the agenda. He indicated that Xi is likely to raise the Taiwan issue, while energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz will be a shared concern.
What did Trump say about Taiwan ahead of the China visit?
Trump said he believed Xi would raise Taiwan more than he would, but expressed confidence that a crisis would not occur under his leadership. He also cited support for Taiwan from Japan and regional allies.
Why did Trump mention the Strait of Hormuz in the context of China?
Trump pointed out that China relies on approximately 40% of its oil from shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that Beijing has a direct interest in regional stability in West Asia. He suggested this shared concern would be a discussion point at the summit.
How did Trump describe his relationship with Xi Jinping?
Trump called Xi 'a great gentleman' and 'an amazing man,' saying he has a 'great relationship' with the Chinese president and that he respects him. He contrasted this with what he described as Xi's lack of respect for the previous US administration.
How did Trump criticise former President Biden over China policy?
Trump accused previous US administrations, including Biden's, of allowing China to take advantage of the United States. He claimed his administration was now conducting 'smart business' with China after years of imbalance.
