TRUMP-XI SUMMIT BEIJING

President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing on May 14-15, 2026, marks a critical moment in managing US-China rivalry, the dominant force shaping Asia-Pacific geopolitics, trade, and security. The summit focuses on stabilizing bilateral ties amid tensions over tariffs, technology export controls, rare earths, and the Iran crisis, with Beijing pushing for a 'Board of Investment' to balance trade. Asia-Pacific allies like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and others watch anxiously, fearing Trump may concede on vital issues such as Taiwan arms sales or regional security commitments for economic gains with China. This event underscores strategic competition over key maritime routes, islands, and chokepoints like the Straits of Malacca, heightening risks of exclusion for regional players.