US President Donald Trump said on Friday that American farmers would benefit from his trade agreements with China and claimed Beijing would buy “billions of dollars” worth of US soybeans, though he did not provide details on any fresh purchase commitments.
The remarks came as Trump wrapped up a high-stakes visit to Beijing, where trade, Taiwan, aviation deals and sanctions on Chinese companies dominated discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Despite trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, Trump said tariffs did not come up during his summit discussions with Xi.
Boeing mega deal signals business push
Trump also announced that China had agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft fitted with engines from General Electric, adding that the total order could eventually rise to 750 planes. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the arrangement as a major boost for US manufacturing and jobs.
Also Read: Trump says China may buy up to 750 Boeing planes
A day earlier, Trump had told Fox News host Sean Hannity that China wanted to buy “200 big ones,” calling it “a lot of jobs” for the US economy. According to US media reports, the proposed deal could include roughly 500 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft along with nearly 100 wide-body jets such as the 787 Dreamliner and 777.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who accompanied the US delegation in Beijing, had earlier expressed optimism about securing a major Chinese order, saying the outcome depended heavily on broader US-China relations. China remains one of Boeing’s most crucial overseas markets as the aerospace giant seeks recovery from regulatory challenges, supply-chain disruptions and rising competition from Airbus.
Taiwan emerges as key flashpoint
Taiwan emerged as another key flashpoint during the summit. Trump said he had not yet decided whether to proceed with a major US arms sale to Taiwan, despite his administration having already authorised the package. “I will make a determination,” Trump said while returning from Beijing.
China strongly opposes US military support for Taiwan and considers the self-governed island a core issue in bilateral ties. Trump said Xi reiterated Beijing’s opposition to Taiwanese independence during their talks. “I heard him out. I didn’t make a comment,” Trump said.
Also Read: Trump says he hasn't determined whether to move forward on major arms package for Taiwan
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Chinese attempt to seize Taiwan by force would be a “terrible mistake”, while insisting Washington’s policy towards the island remained unchanged.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was inevitable that Taiwan would feature prominently during the summit, adding that Trump understood the “sensitivities” surrounding the issue. Xi, meanwhile, reportedly warned that mishandling Taiwan could push the two countries towards “conflict”, underlining the growing strain over one of the most contentious issues in US-China relations.
Taiwan’s foreign minister later said the US government had also reiterated its opposition to any attempt to force or coerce a change to the status quo. The minister added that, as Rubio had explained, Washington’s longstanding policy towards Taiwan had remained unchanged across multiple US presidents and administrations.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was inevitable that Taiwan would feature prominently during the summit, adding that Trump understood the “sensitivities” surrounding the issue. Xi, meanwhile, reportedly warned that mishandling Taiwan could push the two countries towards “conflict”, underlining the growing strain over one of the most contentious issues in US-China relations.
China has increased military pressure around Taiwan in recent years through naval deployments, air incursions and military drills near the island, prompting concerns in Washington and among US allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trump weighs easing Iran oil-linked sanctions
Another major issue discussed during the summit was US sanctions on Chinese refiners accused of purchasing Iranian crude. Trump said he discussed the matter with Xi and would decide “over the next few days” whether to ease the restrictions.
Also Read:Trump says discussing lifting sanctions on Chinese refiners over Iranian oil imports
Washington recently sanctioned several Chinese refiners, including Hengli Petrochemical, for buying Iranian oil. The move formed part of the US pressure campaign aimed at restricting Tehran’s oil revenues.
Human rights concerns also raised
Trump also suggested that China could potentially help secure the release of detained Christian pastors, although he appeared less optimistic regarding jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, describing his case as “a tough one.”
