Trump's Diplomatic Visit to China Concludes with Symbolic Engagements
Final Day of Trump's China Visit
On Friday, May 15, 2026, President Donald Trump is wrapping up his significant three-day trip to China, dedicating the last day to personal diplomacy and symbolic interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Below is the official itinerary for Day 3 (all times are in China Standard Time, with U.S. Eastern Time in parentheses):
Friday, May 15, 2026
- 8:00 AM CST (8:00 PM ET Thursday) - The President engages in Executive Time. Closed Press. Location: Beijing
- 11:30 AM CST (11:30 PM ET Thursday) - The President takes part in a Greeting and Friendship Photo with the President of China. Out-of-Town Travel Pool. Location: Beijing
- 11:40 AM CST (11:40 PM ET Thursday) - The President attends a Bilateral Tea with the President of China. Out-of-Town Travel Pool. Location: Beijing
- 12:15 PM CST (12:15 AM ET Friday) - The President enjoys a Bilateral Lunch with the President of China. Closed Press. Location: Beijing
- TBD CST - The President departs Beijing, heading to The White House. Pre-credentialed Media
- TBD ET - The President arrives at The White House. Open Press
Overview of the Day
The concluding day features fewer formal engagements compared to the previous two days. Following extensive discussions on trade, Taiwan, Iran, and technology, the agenda transitions to more personal and symbolic interactions, including a greeting photo, bilateral tea, and a private lunch with Xi Jinping. These informal settings are anticipated to help both leaders strengthen the rapport developed during the summit and possibly discuss any lingering sensitive issues in a more relaxed environment.
Trump is expected to leave Beijing later on Friday and return to Washington. Official summaries from both the U.S. and Chinese governments are likely to be released following the bilateral lunch. This visit marks President Trump’s first trip to China in nine years, and the summit has garnered global attention for its potential implications on U.S.-China relations, trade dynamics, and geopolitical stability.