President Trump [AP Yonhap News]

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 12th (local time) that he will discuss various issues including trade with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his trip to Beijing, China.

Before departing for China from the White House on the same day, Trump told reporters, "We have a lot to discuss (with President Xi)," adding, "Trade will be (the subject of discussion) above all."

When asked what message he wanted to convey to President Xi regarding the Iran war, Trump said, "We will have a long conversation about it," and added, "He is my friend, and many good things will happen."

However, Trump later said, "To be frank, I wouldn't say Iran is one of the topics of discussion," adding, "Iran is being handled well by us, and they will either reach an agreement or be eliminated."

He also stated that he did not need China's help concerning Iran. This is interpreted as his caution against weakening his negotiating position on the Iran war issue ahead of his meeting with President Xi.

Amidst the peace talks with Iran facing a crisis of being derailed, there are speculations that President Trump will seek solutions for peace, including persuading Iran, from President Xi during his visit to China.

President Trump reiterated that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons.

President Trump claimed that the resolution of the Ukraine war is approaching and did not rule out the possibility of visiting Russia within the year.

President Trump will arrive in Beijing on the night of the 13th, Beijing time, to begin his three-day visit to China.

The meeting between President Trump and President Xi is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 14th. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders in about six months since their encounter in Busan, South Korea, in late October of last year. It will be their first meeting in Beijing in about nine years, since President Trump's first term in November 2017.

President Trump will meet with President Xi at a minimum of six events, including a visit to the Temple of Heaven Park and a state banquet.

According to the White House, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses, USTR Representative Jamie S. Gorelick, and Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs James Blair, among others, are on board the presidential plane with President Trump as he heads to China. Trump's second son, Eric, and his daughter-in-law, Lara, are also accompanying him.

First Lady Melania Trump is not accompanying him on this trip. Mrs. Trump had accompanied President Trump on his visit to China in 2017.