NPR News: 05-13-2026 5AM EDT

President Trump's state visit to China highlights tensions over trade and regional influence, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure after poor election results. The broadcast also covers pushback against Republican-led redistricting efforts in South Carolina and a range of other U.S. news, from a major wrongful conviction settlement to the PGA Championship.

Trump's Trip to Beijing

President Trump is traveling to Beijing for a state visit with China's President Xi Jinping, with trade and tariffs topping the agenda. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that opening China to American businesses would be his first request to Xi. Corporate CEOs, including Nvidia's head, are accompanying him to advance business interests. Trump downplayed the need to discuss Iran, calling its military defeated and asserting that China, as Iran's largest crude oil buyer, holds leverage: "They'll either do the right thing or we'll finish the job." This visit underscores ongoing U.S. efforts to reshape trade imbalances and address geopolitical flashpoints like Iran's oil exports, which tie into broader sanctions and military dynamics.