NPR News: 05-14-2026 8AM EDT

President Trump attended a state banquet in Beijing hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he highlighted shared values like hard work, family, and national pride between the U.S. and China. Trump invited Xi for a U.S. state visit in late September, framing the relationship as key to prosperity, cooperation, and peace. The U.S. statement focused on agreeing to improve economic ties, omitting any mention of Taiwan.

US-China Summit and Taiwan Friction

China used the summit to stress that U.S. differences over Taiwan risk sparking conflict between the two nations. Taiwan's cabinet spokesperson, Michelle Lee, countered that China's military threats are the primary source of instability in the Taiwan Strait and region, while thanking the U.S. for its longstanding support. No resolution on Taiwan emerged in public statements.

Neighbors like Japan are monitoring for shifts in U.S. policy. Japan's Finance Minister Satsu Katayama told visiting U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bassent that China's actions—such as cutting off rare earth exports to Japan—are "terrible and unfair." The U.S. had promised to raise this with China, but the summit produced no reported progress on the issue.

These exchanges underscore ongoing tensions: economic cooperation is advancing, but flashpoints like Taiwan and trade disputes persist, with regional allies seeking U.S. reassurance.