Trump administration 'eager' to announce business deals during China trip

May 13, 2026 - 21:12

As President Trump prepares for his upcoming trip to China, aides and advisors are indicating a strong desire to announce new business agreements during the visit. According to multiple sources familiar with the planning, the administration is "eager" to showcase tangible outcomes from the high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

NBC News correspondents Gabe Gutierrez, Brian Cheung, and Courtney Kube, along with Semafor China columnist Andy Browne, have outlined what the president hopes to achieve. The primary goal appears to be securing commitments that can be framed as wins for American industry, particularly in agriculture and energy. The White House is reportedly pushing for deals that would see Chinese companies purchase more U.S. soybeans, liquefied natural gas, and other commodities.

However, the trip is not just about signing contracts. The discussions are expected to touch on deeper, more contentious issues, including trade imbalances, technology transfer policies, and the ongoing tensions over Taiwan. While the administration is keen to project a cooperative spirit, analysts caution that the announced deals may be more about optics than structural change. The visit represents a critical moment for Trump to demonstrate his ability to negotiate with one of America's biggest economic rivals, even as political pressure mounts at home.