President Donald Trump informed Chinese President Xi Jinping that he had requested only the highest-ranking executives from the world's leading companies to accompany him on his state visit to Beijing. During his first remarks to Xi inside the Great Hall of the People, Trump revealed that he had approached the top 30 companies globally and insisted on sending only their chief executives.
Trump's Remarks to Xi
Trump stated, "We have the greatest businessmen, the biggest and, I guess, the best in the world. We have amazing people, and they're all with me. Every single one of them. We asked the top 30 in the world. Every single one of them said yes. And I didn't want the second or the third in the company. I wanted only the top. And they're here today to pay respects to you and to China." He added that they look forward to trade and doing business, emphasizing that it would be "totally reciprocal on our behalf."
Notable Executives Present
Trump was flanked by Apple CEO Tim Cook, X and SpaceX boss Elon Musk, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, all of whom made the journey to China. Musk and Huang traveled aboard Air Force One. They were joined by Qualcomm boss Cristiano Amon, Boeing's Kelly Ortberg, Citigroup's Jane Fraser, and Goldman Sachs' David Solomon, among others. The delegation also included Stephen Miller, Jamieson Greer, Pete Hegseth, Scott Bessent, Marco Rubio, Natalie Harp, Brett Ratner, Margo Martin, and Monica Crowley.
Trump's Truth Social Announcement
Trump announced the business delegation in a post on his Truth Social platform, stating that he would ask President Xi to "open up China so that these brilliant people can work their magic." He promised, "I will make that my very first request." Trump described the idea as highly beneficial for both countries.
Trade Truce Context
The two nations reached a trade truce last year, calming threats of steep tariffs. The White House indicated ongoing discussions and mutual interest in extending the truce, though no announcement was expected during the visit.
Post-Meeting Reactions
Leaving the meeting, Musk told reporters that the discussions were "wonderful" and featured "many good things." Huang echoed this, saying, "Mr. Xi and President Trump were incredible," while Cook flashed a peace sign.
Xi's Reference to Thucydides Trap
As the leaders sat opposite each other, Xi opened with a reference to the "Thucydides Trap," describing the danger of conflict when an established power feels threatened by a rising one. He asked, "Can China and the US overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm?" Trump, seemingly unfazed, praised the pageantry of his welcome, calling it "an honor like few have ever seen before" and complimenting the "happy and beautiful" children. He told Xi, "It's an honor to be with you, it's an honor to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before."
This visit marked Trump's first face-to-face meeting with Xi since the Iran war erupted on February 28.
