May 12th, 2026

Trump Heads To China As Tensions Rise Over Iran War

Donald Trump is expecting economic deals and a “wild” welcome this week in China. In reality, he’ll arrive facing an emboldened Xi Jinping, just as his own hand is constrained by the conflict in Iran.  When the US president touches down in Beijing on Wednesday evening for a 36-hour summit, it’ll mark his first overseas trip since waging war in the Middle East. Over talks at the Great Hall of the People and a state dinner, followed by morning tea, the leaders will discuss trade, tariffs and the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Another agenda item, of course, is Iran.  Sara Schuman, Managing Director at Beacon Global Strategies and former Senior Trade Representative for China at the Office of the United States Trade Representative joins Balance of Power to discuss.