A look at China and U.S. trade ties as Trump visits Beijing

NPR | By Scott Horsley

Published May 12, 2026 at 5:06 PM EDT

President Trump travels to China this week to meet with his counterpart Xi Jinping. Trump wants to reshape the trading relationship between the world's two biggest economies.

Scott Horsley

Scott Horsley is NPR's Chief Economics Correspondent. He reports on ups and downs in the national economy as well as fault lines between booming and busting communities.

See stories by Scott Horsley

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

OpenAI's Sam Altman takes the stand to fend off Elon Musk's accusations he 'stole a charity'

John Ruwitch

The trial pits two of tech's most famous personalities against each other and could lead to seismic changes for the maker of ChatGPT.
Argentina's 2018-19 hantavirus outbreak is guiding the response to this one

Gabrielle Emanuel

The outbreak in Argentina in 2018-19 of hantavirus is one that scientists studied carefully, so many researchers are turning to it for information about the virus.
Omaha's U.S. House race will test candidates' ability to reach beyond party lines

Clay Masters

Omaha, Neb., is home to a toss-up Congressional race this year. Voters have shown a willingness to vote for moderate candidates from both parties, but has the definition of a moderate now changed?
Sam Altman's testimony begins in Musk trial

Rachael Myrow

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman takes the stand to defend his company against a lawsuit brought by Elon Musk.
Farmers want firm trade deal from Trump's China visit

Kirk Siegler

President Trump's state visit to China will be closely watched in the American heartland, where his trade war has resulted in grain farmers losing considerable business from international buyers.