FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 12, 2026
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, President Trump departed Washington and is en route to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lyle Goldstein, director of the Asia Program at Defense Priorities, issued the following statement in response:
“President Donald Trump’s trip to China is welcome. Leaders of the two superpowers should regularly meet to discuss the world’s most pressing problems.
“It is logical that trade and investment are the central focus of this trip. Advancing prosperity for America requires extensive global trade and the resulting gains from productivity. Robust U.S.-China trade is good for growth and improves the well-being of many Americans, from those who design microchips and airplanes to those who produce pork and soybeans. It’s appropriate that many CEOs of leading U.S. companies are joining this summit, since building economic relations between the superpowers will go a long way toward fostering growth and opportunity for American business.
“The two leaders should also discuss global security issues. Beijing will probably raise its customary objections with respect to Taiwan and especially regarding extensive U.S. arms sales to the island claimed by Beijing. President Trump should, consistent with past practice, confirm Washington’s long-standing One China policy and state clearly that the U.S. does ‘not support Taiwan independence.’ Moreover, reaching compromises on arms sales with Beijing is reasonable given that a stable and peaceful U.S.-China relationship is more important than Taiwan’s status.
“In addition to the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, and strategic weapons arsenals, the two leaders are also likely to discuss the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump may be looking for Chinese help with Iran, he should also consider its advice. Like the rest of the world, China would like the see the Strait of Hormuz reopened to cut energy costs, even if it means postponing efforts to reach a settlement on nuclear issues.”
Author
More on China
Events on China
