What in the World - President Trump in China: Deal or no deal?

Download President Trump in China: Deal or no deal?

For the last few days, international headlines have been dominated by stories about Donald Trump's visit to China, to meet Xi Jinping. The trip featured marching bands, red carpets, photocalls, big smiles and many, many handshakes. Now that President Trump has left the country, we ask what actually happened below the surface level. Was it all just superficial pageantry or did the leaders of the world’s two largest economies make any real agreements or deals?

People expected talks on trade deals, the war in Iran and Taiwan. President Trump didn't travel alone; he was joined by some of the biggest heavyweights in American technology and business. Tesla and Space X boss, Elon Musk, Tim Cook, the head of Apple and David Solomon, from the bank Goldman Sachs to name a few.

So, what, if anything, actually came out of this trip? And what is the US-China relationship really like? We hear from BBC reporters covering the visit and find out how people in China are reacting to President Trump and his visit.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Chelsea Coates and Emma-Louise Amanshia
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Friday, 15th May 2026.

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