The conflict triggered by the US and Israel attacking Iran on February 28, 2026, may increase Beijing's leverage on topics such as high-tech supply chains and Taiwan in the upcoming Trump-Xi summit scheduled for May 14, 2026 [1]. This summit would mark the first visit by a US president to China in over eight years and Trump's first overseas trip since the Iran conflict began [1].
Beijing has yet to officially confirm the visit [1]. Two main topics expected at the summit are the ongoing Iran war and the potential extension of the trade truce agreed between Washington and Beijing in October 2025 [1]. Analyst Ali Wyne said discussing the Iran war would be one of two “pressing imperatives” at the meeting, alongside extending the trade truce [1].
The October 2025 trade truce had eased escalating tensions between the US and China, and its extension remains a critical issue. China's enhanced leverage due to the Iran conflict could impact negotiations over high-tech exports and Taiwan-related concerns.
The leaders are set to meet in Beijing starting May 14. The summit will be a major test of US-China relations after years of escalating rivalry and amid the new geopolitical dynamic introduced by the Iran war [1].
