Overview
- With the May 14–15 visit set, the White House invited a smaller group of CEOs than in 2017, signaling a cautious approach and lower expectations for splashy deals.
- The Iran war is set to dominate the talks, with the U.S. pressing China on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and on curbing purchases of Iranian oil.
- U.S. sanctions pressure and China’s legal pushback are now a live dispute after an April 28 Treasury warning on ‘teapot’ refiners was followed by Beijing’s May 2 “Blocking Rules” telling firms not to comply.
- Negotiators are weighing pragmatic steps such as a new “Board of Trade” to steer low‑risk commerce, expanded purchases of U.S. farm goods and energy, and a possible Boeing jet order that industry sources say could move forward.
- Taiwan remains the top flashpoint, with China calling it the biggest risk to ties and Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying both sides see it as in their interest to avoid destabilizing moves.