US leader says he expects “good things” from meeting with Xi Jinping as Washington and Beijing seek to steady relations amid tensions over Taiwan and arms sales.
US President Donald Trump has said he expects discussions on energy, Iran and Taiwan during his upcoming state visit to China, where he is due to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said “many good things” could come out of the talks and indicated that energy cooperation and Iran would be among the key issues on the agenda.
“We will probably discuss energy and the wonderful country of Iran,” the US president said.
Trump also suggested that Taiwan would feature prominently in conversations with Xi, particularly the long-running dispute over US arms supplies to the island. He said he did not believe a military conflict between Taiwan and mainland China was likely.
The US president added that he expected the issue of Washington’s weapons deliveries to Taiwan to arise during the talks, noting that Xi would prefer such sales to come to an end.
Despite persistent tensions between Washington and Beijing, Trump again stressed his positive relationship with the Chinese leader. “He is a great gentleman. I think he is an incredible person,” Trump said of Xi.
Trump is scheduled to pay a state visit to China from May 13 to 15.
