Beijing Ready for Trump Visit, Eyes “Healthy” U.S.–China Relations in 2026
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi emphasised Beijing's readiness for President Donald Trump’s visit and expressed hope for a “healthy, stable, and sustainable” year ahead for U.S.-China relations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a nationally televised press conference for international media during the week of the National People’s Congress, China’s annual parliamentary session. When taking questions, Wang selected one from a CNN reporter about President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China from March 31 to April 2. Several other questions also focused on U.S.–China relations—arguably the world’s most consequential bilateral relationship today.
My reading of Wang’s remarks on U.S.–China relations and Trump’s upcoming visit is as follows:
First, Wang made clear that the high‑level agenda for the visit is already in place. In diplomatic language, this signals that Beijing is prepared and ready to engage.
Second, he described 2026 as a “big year” for U.S.–China relations, with numerous opportunities for engagement. He emphasized that “head‑of‑state diplomacy” has been functioning effectively. This is another unmistakable indication that China welcomes Trump’s visit and recognizes the importance of direct Xi–Trump interaction.
Finally, Wang concluded by expressing hope that 2026 will be a “healthy, stable, and sustainable year” for the bilateral relationship. That closing line sets the overall tone: Beijing is signaling openness and a positive attitude toward Trump’s arrival.
The reason Wang did not formally confirm the dates is likely to preserve flexibility for Trump, should the Iran crisis escalate in the coming days and require him to remain in Washington to focus on the Middle East.
This is entirely understandable. What China wants to convey now is straightforward: Beijing is ready to host Trump, but the final decision rests with the U.S. side in case last‑minute adjustments are needed.
My fellow China watcher Zichen Wang of Pekingnology reached a similar conclusion in his own analysis following the press conference.
You can also find my recent comments on Trump’s visit in the media outlets listed below:
The Washington Post: China hopes 2026 will be a ‘landmark year’ for relationship with US
The Strait Times (Singapore): Ahead of high stakes summit, China Foreign Minister Wang Yi strikes positive tone on ties with US
I also learned from my China‑based contacts involved in some internal discussions about Trump’s China trip that Beijing initially explored the idea of having Trump visit more than one city—starting in Beijing and then continuing to Shanghai. This would have mirrored the format used for recent visits by leaders from the U.K., Canada, and other countries. However, the Shanghai stop has now been ruled out, largely for logistical reasons and the limited time available to prepare on multiple fronts.
As it stands, Trump will focus solely on Beijing, where he is expected to spend substantial time in one‑on‑one discussions with Xi Jinping, as well as participate in group meetings with Xi’s cabinet members, including senior officials overseeing commerce (about trade), public security (fentanyl), agriculture (soybean), and national economic planning (AI, technology and etc).
The next—and likely final—watch point before President Trump boards Air Force One for Beijing will be the upcoming Bessent–He meeting to be held in Paris this coming week. That discussion is expected to shape the framework for the Trump–Xi summit, particularly on tariffs and trade, and may also offer a clearer picture of each side’s “wish list.”
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have been the primary channels of communication between Beijing and Washington since Trump began his second term. Beijing views Bessent as a counterpart it can work with, especially in contrast to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who has taken a more outspoken and hawkish line on China.