US President Donald Trump landed in Beijing on Wednesday for a high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping aimed at easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

It is the first visit to China by a sitting US president in nearly a decade. Trump touched down on Air Force One at Beijing Capital International Airport at 7:50 pm local time.

What is the Trump-Xi summit and why does it matter?

The Trump-Xi summit is a two-day meeting in Beijing between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies. Agenda items include the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, US arms sales to Taiwan and an extension of the tariff truce struck last October. Business deals, particularly around AI chips and market access, are also central to Trump’s agenda.

Who traveled with Trump to Beijing?

Trump arrived with a notable business contingent. Nvidia chief Jensen Huang boarded Air Force One at the last minute in Alaska, and Tesla’s Elon Musk also traveled on the presidential jet. Their presence signals that commercial priorities, especially in artificial intelligence, are high on Trump’s agenda for the talks.

China currently cannot purchase the advanced chips Huang’s company produces, under US export rules Washington says are necessary to protect national security. Trump said in a social media post en route that he would ask Xi, “a Leader of extraordinary distinction,” to open up China so that “these brilliant people can work their magic.”

When and where will Trump and Xi hold their talks?

The two leaders will hold formal talks at 10 am Thursday at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, followed by a state banquet in the evening. On Friday, they are scheduled to have tea and a working lunch before Trump departs. Trump is visiting China for the first time since 2017, his first term in office, and is expected to receive a lavish welcome.

What is at stake on trade between the US and China?

The long-simmering trade war between the two countries will be a central topic at the summit. Trump’s sweeping tariffs last year triggered tit-for-tat levies exceeding 100 percent on both sides. The leaders are expected to discuss extending the one-year tariff truce reached at their October meeting in South Korea, though a deal remains uncertain.

China’s controls on rare earth and agriculture exports are also on the agenda. Trump has downplayed expectations of friction, telling reporters that Xi had been “relatively good” on issues of mutual concern, including Iran.

How does Iran factor into the Trump-Xi summit?

Before departing Washington, Trump said he expected a “long talk” with Xi about the joint US-Israeli war with Iran, which sells most of its US-sanctioned oil to China. He also said he did not think the US needed Chinese help on Iran, even as Beijing grows impatient for a broader ceasefire. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Pakistan on Tuesday to step up mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.

What does the summit mean for Taiwan?

Trump said Monday he would raise US arms sales to Taiwan directly with Xi, a notable departure from the longstanding US position of not consulting Beijing on support for the self-governing island. He has also insisted that his personal relationship with Xi would prevent a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The trip will be closely watched by Taipei and US allies across Asia for any sign of wavering American commitment.

The Chinese foreign ministry said Wednesday it welcomes Trump’s visit and that China is ready to expand cooperation and manage differences with the United States. On the streets of Beijing, police were monitoring major intersections and checking ID cards of metro passengers. “Some progress will certainly be made,” said Wen Wen, 24, a traveler from Nanjing. “I hope China and the United States can ensure lasting peace.”