Nvidia CEO joins Trump's visit to Beijing

• Nvidia CEO boarded Air Force One during a refueling stop in Alaska.
• Trump stated his "very first request" to Xi Jinping will be to grant US tech giants access to Chinese markets.
• US Treasury Secretary is currently in South Korea holding preparatory talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to maintain the fragile October trade agreement.

US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing late Wednesday, marking the first visit by a US leader to the Chinese capital in nearly a decade.

In a significant move to bolster the economic focus of the trip, Trump personally invited Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to join the official delegation during a stopover in Anchorage, Alaska.

The inclusion of Huang, alongside other tech titans like Elon Musk and Tim Cook, underscores the administration's push to resolve long-standing regulatory hurdles.

Nvidia has struggled to secure permissions for its powerful H200 artificial intelligence chips in China, a market currently dominated by domestic competitors.

On Truth Social, Trump praised the executives as "brilliant people" and vowed to ask President Xi to "open up" China so they can "work their magic."

Bessent preps in South Korea

While US President traveled across the Pacific, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent began exploratory discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at Incheon Airport in South Korea.

These talks serve as the critical groundwork for the summit, with both sides aiming to preserve the truce struck last October.

The "October Truce" suspended triple-digit tariffs in exchange for China maintaining global rare earth supplies.

Washington is now pushing for a multi-billion dollar "dealbook" involving Boeing aircraft, American energy exports, and agricultural goods to reduce the trade deficit.

Beijing, meanwhile, remains focused on the removal of "presumption of denial" export controls on advanced semiconductor equipment.

Shadow of Iran war

The summit takes place as the Iran war enters its third month, casting a long shadow over US domestic policy and the upcoming midterm elections.

While Trump told reporters he "doesn't need help" from China regarding Tehran, diplomats expect him to privately encourage Xi to use China’s leverage as Iran’s top oil customer to stabilize the Strait of Hormuz.

Historic itinerary

Upon arrival in Beijing, the President is scheduled for a pomp-filled three-day visit, including:

Bilateral meetings: High-level talks with President Xi focusing on AI, trade, and Taiwan.

Cultural diplomacy: A tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Temple of Heaven.

State banquet: A formal gala intended to showcase the personal rapport Trump claims to have maintained with the Chinese leader.