U.S.-China summit prospects brighten after official calls

May 1 (Asia Today) -- Senior U.S. and Chinese diplomatic and trade officials held a series of calls ahead of a planned summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling that the meeting is likely to proceed as scheduled.

The summit is planned for May 14-15, after speculation that it could be delayed again because of prolonged tensions in the Middle East.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone Wednesday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to China's Foreign Ministry. The call came as both countries prepare for high-level engagement and seek to manage tensions over trade, Taiwan and regional security.

Wang said leader-level diplomacy has long served as a guide for U.S.-China relations and that bilateral ties have generally remained stable under the strategic direction of Xi and Trump.

He urged both sides to preserve what he called a hard-won period of stability, prepare carefully for major high-level exchanges, expand cooperation and manage differences.

Wang also said Taiwan is China's core interest and the "biggest risk" in U.S.-China relations, urging Washington to honor its commitments and make what Beijing views as the correct choice.

China's Foreign Ministry said Rubio described U.S.-China relations as the world's most important bilateral relationship and said leader-level diplomacy is central to maintaining strategic stability.

The two sides also held economic talks. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng spoke by video with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Reuters described the trade discussion as "candid and comprehensive," with both sides raising concerns over trade restrictions and regulatory measures.

The exchanges suggest Washington and Beijing are moving toward holding the summit as planned, despite persistent disputes over Taiwan, trade restrictions and broader strategic competition.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 6:31 PM.