President Donald Trump departed Beijing on Friday following a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping that highlighted sharply differing national priorities. The talks yielded a potentially more stable bilateral relationship but no significant business agreements, leaving key economic issues unresolved.
During the visit, Trump was overheard mentioning that Xi planned to gift him roses for the White House Rose Garden. The president also confirmed that Xi would visit the United States in September, a trip that could further shape the trajectory of U.S.-China ties.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump recounted that Xi had described the United States as a “declining nation,” though the president quickly clarified that the Chinese leader was referring to the Biden administration, not his own tenure.
China's Call for Peace in Iran
Hours after Trump's departure, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a pointed statement calling for an end to the war in Iran. “There is no point in continuing this conflict which should not have happened in the first place,” a ministry spokesperson told reporters. “To find an early way to resolve the situation is in the interest of not only the U.S. and Iran, but also regional countries and the rest of the world.”
The statement aligns with Beijing's broader diplomatic push to position itself as a mediator in global conflicts, even as Trump seeks Chinese assistance in managing tensions with Tehran. For more on this dynamic, see our report on China declaring the U.S.-Iran conflict 'pointless' as Trump seeks Xi's help.
CIA Chief Pressures Cuba
Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba on Thursday for high-stakes negotiations. The agency said the trip was intended to “personally deliver President Trump’s message that the United States is prepared to seriously engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes fundamental changes.” The move signals a new phase in U.S.-Cuba relations, with Trump threatening stronger action if Havana does not comply. For context on the broader strategy, read about CIA Chief Ratcliffe pressuring Cuba as Trump threatens invasion.
Powell's Final Day as Fed Chair
Friday also marks the final day of Jerome Powell’s four-year term as Federal Reserve chair. The transition comes amid ongoing debates over monetary policy and inflation, with Trump having previously criticized Powell’s rate decisions. For more on this story, see Powell stepping down as Fed chair but staying on board, defying Trump.
Capitol Hill and the War in Iran
It is a quieter day on Capitol Hill, with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll scheduled to testify on the Army budget against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Iran. The hearing is expected to focus on funding priorities and the military’s readiness amid extended operations in the Middle East.
