President Donald Trump boards Air Force One prior to his departure from Beijing Capital Airport in Beijing, May 15, 2026. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump departed Beijing following days filled with elaborate diplomatic displays and lavish ceremonies — yet noticeable advancements on the most complex matters in the U.S.-China bond were absent.
On the last day of the assembly, Chinese President Xi Jinping received Trump at the Communist Party’s private leadership complex, where Trump complimented Xi.
President Donald Trump converses with Chinese President Xi Jinping when exiting after a visit to the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing, May 15, 2026.Evan Vucci/Pool via AP
Here are highlighted observations from the second day of the conference.
Iran War
Regarding Iran, Trump arrived intending to persuade Xi to utilize his influence to prompt Tehran to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump stated that Xi pledged not to provide Iran with military supplies and offered to assist in resolving the dispute — though China’s formal summary omitted any mention, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry evaded inquiries regarding whether Iran was even a topic of discussion.
Trump mentioned Friday that he and Xi share "very similar" viewpoints on Iran, aiming to conclude the conflict and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Upon departing on Air Force One, Trump again emphasized his and Xi’s alignment. However, when questioned about whether Xi indeed committed to exerting pressure on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said he doesn’t "need favors," implying little advancement.
Taiwan
Regarding Taiwan, Xi utilized the gathering to issue a direct caution — stating that mismanaging the matter would cause the U.S. and China to encounter "clashes and even conflicts."
Trump informed reporters onboard Air Force One that he made "no commitment either way" concerning Taiwan, adding that a choice on forthcoming U.S. arms provisions remained pending.
Before this meeting, worries surfaced in Washington that Beijing would urge Trump to curtail U.S. arms backing to the island.
Trump has already been putting off the newest sequence of weaponry transfers, declining for months to finalize the documented $14 billion package that received approval in January 2025, despite prodding from certain legislators.
"I’ll make a determination over the next fairly short period," Trump remarked upon reporter questioning about the arms provisions while aboard Air Force One.
Trade deals
Concerning the economy — where the most development was foreseen — Trump conveyed that Xi consented to procure 200 Boeing jets.
"We had a great stay. It was an amazing period of time. President Xi’s an incredible guy. We got along, made a lot of great trade deals," Trump said on Air Force One, "including over 200 planes for Boeing, with a promise of 750 planes, which will be by far the largest order ever."
The U.S. trade delegate expressed that China is anticipated to acquire tens of billions of dollars worth of farming goods in the upcoming years.
Still, neither of these precise agreements has had confirmation by Beijing or Boeing.
Trump additionally stated that he and Xi didn’t deliberate tariffs, simply informing reporters that it "wasn’t brought up," regardless of outstanding inquiries about whether the truce in their trade conflict will see an extension.
Bottom line
Following several days of splendor and meticulously arranged diplomacy, it seems there were no substantial progressions on the most delicate matters.
Even so, the very actuality that the two heads convened at all indicates a prospect for steadiness.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com