The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Reuters reports that Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled positive progress in trade negotiations with the United States as he opened a two-day summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing on Thursday.
Xi said recent preparatory talks between Chinese and U.S.
economic teams had produced an “overall balanced and positive outcome,”
according to China’s state media, as both sides aim to sustain a trade truce
reached in October.
Trump described the meeting as potentially one of the most
significant summits, praising Xi during a formal reception at Beijing’s Great
Hall of the People. “There are those who say this may be the biggest summit
ever,” he said.
The summit comes at a sensitive time for Washington, as
Trump faces mounting pressure linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, now in its
third month.
Beyond trade, discussions are expected to cover key
geopolitical issues, including the Iran war and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
Analysts say China is unlikely to significantly alter its position on Iran,
which Beijing views as a strategic partner.
Several prominent U.S. business leaders, including Elon
Musk, Jensen Huang and Tim Cook, joined Trump on the trip, reflecting efforts
to address trade and investment concerns.
Experts say global power dynamics have shifted since Trump’s
last visit to China in 2017, with Beijing now holding greater economic and
political leverage.
From Afghanistan’s perspective, analysts note that any
changes in U.S.-China relations could indirectly affect global economic
conditions and international engagement, which are critical for Afghanistan’s
fragile economy.
The leaders are expected to hold extended talks and attend
official events, including a state banquet and cultural visits, as part of
efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties.
