Trump-Xi summit begins in Beijing (VIDEOS)

The leaders are meeting amid tensions in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping shook hands ahead of bilateral talks in Beijing on Thursday, marking the first visit by a US president to China since 2017.

Trump’s trip comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the continuing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that normally handles around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said aboard Air Force One en route to Beijing that the US would seek to persuade China to play “a more active role” in negotiations with Iran. Washington had previously sanctioned Chinese refineries and satellite companies accused of aiding Tehran. China denounced the restrictions as illegal under international law and ordered domestic companies not to comply.

On Thursday morning local time, Trump arrived at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of the Chinese government. He and Xi greeted each other and posed for photographs before beginning bilateral talks.

The leaders then inspected troops lined up in Tiananmen Square.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW