U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping. [Getty Images=New York Post]

The U.S. newspaper New York Post reported on the morning of the 15th (local time) summarizing the results of the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in six key points.

According to the report, during this historic summit, the leaders of the two countries discussed various pressing issues with the aim of strengthening ties between Washington and Beijing and opening up the Chinese market to American companies. The following are the key outcomes achieved by President Trump during his visit to China.

1. No Definitive Answer on Taiwan Issue

President Xi Jinping raised the Taiwan issue at the outset of the meeting, but President Trump adhered to the long-standing U.S. policy towards Taiwan. Since the late 1970s, the United States has acknowledged Beijing's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan through its "One China" policy.

However, in practice, it has adopted a policy of "Strategic Ambiguity," leaving unclear whether the U.S. would militarily intervene if China were to invade Taiwan by force. Experts assess that this strategy has the effect of deterring provocation from China and preventing rash actions by Taiwan.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular press briefing, "President Xi emphasized to President Trump that the Taiwan issue is the most important core issue in U.S.-China relations," and warned, "If this issue is resolved appropriately, bilateral relations will be stable overall, but if not, it will lead to clashes and conflicts, and the entire relationship will face a serious crisis."

The U.S. Department of State, in a statement, quoted President Xi as saying, "Taiwan's independence and peace across the Taiwan Strait are as incompatible as water and fire," and only conveyed that "Safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common ground for both the U.S. and China."

2. Xi Jinping: "We Will Cooperate to Resolve the Iran Situation"

The two leaders appear to have found common ground on the issue of Iran.

New York Post front page cover dated May 14, 2026

In an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News, President Trump stated, "President Xi genuinely wants an agreement to be reached," and added, "President Xi proactively offered, saying, 'If I can be of any help, I would be happy to assist.'"

President Trump further commented, "Since China imports a large quantity of Iranian oil, President Xi can exert influence on the Iranian side," and added, "President Xi also wants the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened."

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway through which approximately 45-50% of China's crude oil imports pass, but it is currently effectively closed due to armed conflict.

Secretary of State Rubio also reported that China "agreed with the U.S. position opposing the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz and the toll collection system."

3. Trump: "China Will Invest Billions of Dollars in the U.S."

President Trump brought dozens of business magnates with him on this visit, foreshadowing "unprecedented investments and fantastic deals," but the leaders of the two countries did not disclose detailed contract terms in their joint Beijing announcement.

New York Post front page cover dated May 15, 2026

However, in his interview with Hannity, President Trump revealed, "China will invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the American companies included in this delegation," mentioning figures such as Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, and Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, who were present at the first meeting.

President Trump also stated that President Xi agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft and expressed strong interest in importing American soybeans and oil. Recalling his first visit to China in 2017, he emphasized, "Last time we signed 36 contracts, but this time the scale will be much larger."

President Trump also said at his Zhongnanhai residence, "We have signed a fantastic trade agreement that benefits both countries."

4. Xi Jinping Signals "Gradual Opening" of Chinese Market to U.S. Companies

Even before arriving in China, President Trump had declared that the top priority of his visit was to open the Chinese market to American companies.

According to Chinese state media, President Xi told the accompanying U.S. CEOs, "China's door of openness will be opened wider, and American companies will have broader opportunities in China."

In an interview with Fox News, President Trump confirmed that President Xi "agreed to open up certain sectors in China" to American companies. However, he added, "It will be a phased opening," and stated, "I want a full and immediate opening, but I understand that President Xi is a leader who must protect his country's industries."

5. Demonstration of Power Through "Soft Power"

To welcome President Trump, President Xi mobilized the highest level of protocol. Red carpets were rolled out at Beijing Airport, accompanied by a military band, an honor guard, and approximately 300 youths waving the flags of both countries and singing welcoming songs.

A splendid red carpet was also in place for the welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, where the two leaders' first handshake took place, followed by the playing of the U.S. national anthem and a large-scale military parade.

Meanwhile, President Trump showcased America's immense influence by bringing a large delegation of global business titans, including Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, and Tim Cook (Apple CEO), as well as Treasury Secretary Scott Beckent, Defense Secretary Pete Hegses, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had been banned from entering China in 2020 due to Chinese sanctions.

President Trump invited President Xi to Washington in September and promised to reciprocate with the highest level of hospitality based on the principle of reciprocity, should President Xi accept the invitation.

6. Strengthening Personal Ties Amidst an Uncertain Future for U.S.-China Relations

Throughout his visit to China, President Trump referred to President Xi as "a friend" and praised their bond as "very solid."

At the state banquet, President Xi reciprocated by quoting President Trump's signature slogan, stating, "The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again (MAGA) are compatible with each other."

At the end of the meeting, President Xi expressed gratitude for the hospitality he received at the Mar-a-Lago resort in 2017 and promised to gift rose seeds from the Zhongnanhai garden.

However, both leaders did not hide their acknowledgment that bilateral relations could deteriorate at any time depending on the strategic choices of the leadership.

While President Xi expressed his hope for friendly relations between the two countries, he pointed out that overcoming the "Thucydides Trap" (armed conflict), where clashes occur when a rising power challenges an existing hegemon, is the key challenge.

Meanwhile, on his way back to the U.S., President Trump mentioned on his social media platform Truth Social that President Xi viewed the U.S. during the former Biden administration as a "declining nation."

President Trump stated, "Just two years ago, we were indeed a declining nation, and in that regard, I fully agree with President Xi's opinion," but emphasized, "However, America today is the most watched nation in the world, and I expect our relationship with China to develop more strongly and positively than ever before."

Reporter Lim Yo-hee