Xi-Trump summit may yield farm deal, but China has limited soybean appetite

On 12 May 2026, Trump headed to Beijing for a summit with Xi, with trade, Taiwan and Iran on the agenda. Reuters wrote that the meeting may yield a farm deal, but that China has limited soybean appetite. Trump said he will discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, while China's foreign ministry spokesperson said its position opposing such sales is consistent and clear. Trump said he does not need China's help to end the Iran war, and Bloomberg reported he said trade, not Iran, will be the priority.

The Iran war overshadowed the trip. Trump and Hegseth claimed 'control' over Iran and the Strait of Hormuz as ceasefire talks stalled, and Iran tightened its grip on Hormuz. Iran's deputy foreign minister criticized a US-proposed UN resolution on Hormuz, and Iran's president said negotiations with the US are possible despite mistrust. Foreign Minister Fidan said the US and Iran show the will to avoid renewed war as the ceasefire holds, and Gulf News wrote that the truce hangs by a thread.