Trump arrives in China for summit with Xi Jinping

Trade between the world’s two largest economies is expected to be a major focus during the summit, alongside growing concerns surrounding the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump arrived in China Wednesday morning for a closely watched summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping as trade tensions, the war with Iran and rising economic concerns dominate the agenda.

“He’s a friend of mine, and we’re gonna have a great meeting,” Trump said before the talks. “We do a lot of business with China.”

Trade between the world’s two largest economies is expected to be a major focus during the summit, alongside growing concerns surrounding the ongoing conflict involving Iran. China remains Iran’s most powerful ally and one of the largest consumers of Iranian oil, giving Beijing potential leverage in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease tensions in the region. Despite that influence, Trump publicly downplayed the importance of Chinese involvement.

“I don’t think we need any help with Iran,” Trump said. “We’ll win it one way or the other. We’ll win it peacefully or otherwise.”

As Trump works to maintain stability in relations with China, some lawmakers in Washington are urging the president to take a tougher approach toward Beijing.

The summit also comes as Americans face increasing economic pressure at home. Inflation has climbed to 3.8%, the highest level in three years, with rising energy costs driving much of the increase. Gas prices have surged roughly 50% since the Iran conflict began, putting pressure on families and businesses nationwide.

“My entire tank is my entire paycheck now,” one driver said.

Small business owners are also struggling with the impact of rising fuel costs and delivery expenses.

“Things could not be going worse right now,” one business owner said.

When asked whether economic pressure on Americans adds urgency to reaching a deal with Iran, Trump said his focus remains on national security.

“The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “I don’t think about American financial situation. I don’t think about anybody.”

The White House later clarified that the president’s top priority remains the safety and security of Americans. Detailed discussions between the U.S. and China are expected to begin Thursday, with officials focusing on maintaining a temporary tariff truce. White House aides say no comprehensive trade agreement is currently expected during the summit.