The United States and China have begun discussions about holding a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the U.S. in June, Bloomberg reported on the 10th, citing sources. Bloomberg noted, "Although discussions are still in the early stages, the fact that both Trump and Xi have birthdays in June gives it the meaning of a birthday summit. Amid trade tensions causing instability for corporations and markets, it shows both sides' willingness to inject some goodwill into the relationship." Trump was born on June 14, 1946, and Xi on June 15, 1953.
Trump and Xi expressed interest in a summit following Trump's victory in the presidential election last November. However, as Trump has strengthened trade measures by raising tariffs on China from 10% to 20% since taking office, the relationship between the two countries has returned to a state of tension. Trump pressed for tariff increases on Canada and Mexico as well, but currently they are on hold. As of now, China is the only country to have implemented the promised tariff increases by Trump. The average tariff rate on Chinese imports was about 14.5% in 2023, but it has risen to about 35% since the Trump administration began.
Furthermore, the Trump administration is also considering restrictions on Chinese investments in the U.S. and on U.S. investments in China. In addition, measures targeting industries led by China, such as shipbuilding, and restrictions on the sale of high-performance products to Chinese corporations are also under consideration. Moreover, amid poor economic conditions in China, the country hopes that the U.S. will refrain from additional tariff increases or technology restrictions. Bloomberg reported, "China hopes the summit will help initiate a process to prevent additional tariff increases or technology restrictions."
However, China is said to prefer that the summit with Trump be held in Beijing. It indicates that Xi would rather have Trump visit China than Xi visiting the U.S. The analysis from Bloomberg suggests that Xi wants to avoid a situation where he appears to be begging the U.S. if he were to visit the White House while Trump is intensifying pressure on China. Bloomberg stated, "Chinese officials are wary of a situation where Trump publicly criticizes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting at the White House on the 28th of last month."