NPR News: 05-13-2026 10AM EDT

President Trump's arrival in Beijing marks a significant diplomatic moment, as the NPR News Now update highlights efforts to stabilize U.S.-China ties amid past trade tensions, alongside domestic developments in health regulation, coal miner benefits, an AI lawsuit, and local fiscal news.

Trump-Xi Talks Amid Trade Fragility

President Trump has arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit, the first by a U.S. president since 2017. Roads from the capital airport were lined with U.S. and Chinese flags, signaling ceremonial pomp. This follows Trump's launch of a trade war after his return to office, including more tariffs and sanctions last year. China retaliated, leading to a fragile pause last fall. Both leaders aim to stabilize relations, though a People's Daily editorial noted they "cannot go back to what it was in the past, but there could be a better future." Discussions are also likely to cover the war in Iran, where China remains one of the largest buyers of Iranian crude oil despite Iran choking off shipments to much of the world. The visit underscores ongoing economic interdependence and geopolitical flashpoints.