NPR News: 05-12-2026 6PM EDT

President Trump's state visit to China, underway after his afternoon departure for Beijing, centers on discussions about the ongoing Iran War. The episode also covers a new NPR poll on American views of China, escalating war costs, fluctuating energy prices, a court ruling on redistricting, market updates, public health studies on guns and hantavirus, and tensions at the Eurovision contest.

Trump, China, and the Iran War

Trump's trip highlights US-China dynamics amid the Iran conflict. An NPR poll with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Ipsos, conducted over recent months, shows 78% of Americans view China as seeking global dominance, especially economically. Despite this, most respondents favor maintaining strong trade ties with China. On the Iran War, Americans see it as harmful to both nations' economies, but more believe it strengthens China's geopolitical position than helps the US.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced bipartisan scrutiny in Congress over the war's endgame, costs, and impacts. He testified that expenses have risen from $25 billion to $29 billion, due to updated equipment repair/replacement and operational costs to sustain personnel. Republicans pushed back on munitions shortages and Trump's criticism of allies not joining the fight; Hegseth maintained the military has sufficient supplies.