Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet US President Donald Trump for a high-stakes summit in Beijing, with Taiwan, US tariffs, and the ongoing war on Iran topping the agenda. The three-day visit, starting Wednesday evening, marks Trump's first trip to China since 2017.

Xi is expected to push for concessions on Taiwan, which Beijing views as part of its territory. The US, under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, has provided billions in arms to the self-governing island. A $14 billion arms package approved by Congress still awaits Trump's final sign-off.

Analysts say Xi will try to convince Trump to scale back or suspend arms sales to Taiwan. Such a move would break with longstanding US policy dating back to Ronald Reagan. It would also be a blow to Taiwanese President William Lai, who faces domestic opposition over defense spending.

The trade war between the world's two largest economies remains a key issue. After 18 months of tit-for-tat tariffs that briefly exceeded 100%, a one-year truce was agreed in May, but some measures remain. The US has also imposed new sanctions on Chinese firms, including those buying Iranian oil or aiding Tehran's drone and missile programs.

Beijing has ordered its companies to disregard US sanctions, signaling defiance. China seeks predictability in US trade policy for the remainder of Trump's term, analysts note.

The US-Israel war on Iran looms large over the summit. While not a direct participant, China has suffered economic fallout from the conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Xi is expected to call for negotiations and a comprehensive ceasefire, reiterating China's non-interventionist stance.

Trump has stated he does not need China's help in resolving the war, but the White House has pressed Beijing to lean on Iran to reopen the strait. China, which has a strategic partnership with Iran and buys over 80% of its oil, prefers a mediating role.

Source: www.aljazeera.com