BEIJING – President Trump's arrival in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping represents a pivotal moment for reasserting American strength on the world stage and confronting the growing threats posed by China and Iran. This visit, the first by a U.S. president in nearly a decade, provides a crucial platform to address long-standing trade imbalances, counter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, and protect American interests in the face of global instability.

The inclusion of tech titans like Elon Musk and Tim Cook underscores the importance of securing favorable trade deals that benefit American businesses and workers. For too long, China has engaged in unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and currency manipulation, that have harmed the American economy. Trump must stand firm in demanding a level playing field and holding China accountable for its economic transgressions.

The looming threat of war with Iran adds urgency to the summit. While Trump has rightly asserted that the U.S. does not need China's help in dealing with Iran, it is essential to enlist China's cooperation in ensuring the stability of the Strait of Hormuz and preventing further escalation in the region. China, as a major oil customer of Iran, has a vested interest in maintaining regional stability and should be pressured to use its leverage to restrain Iranian aggression.

The U.S. must also reaffirm its unwavering support for Taiwan, a democratic ally that is under constant threat from China. Any attempt to weaken U.S. support for Taiwan in exchange for Chinese cooperation on Iran would be a grave mistake that would undermine U.S. credibility and embolden Chinese aggression. Trump must make it clear to Xi Jinping that the U.S. will not tolerate any attempt to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty or its democratic institutions.

China's condemnation of U.S. sanctions on Chinese firms accused of assisting Iranian oil shipments is a clear indication of its willingness to defy international norms and support rogue regimes. The U.S. must continue to enforce these sanctions and hold China accountable for its actions. Weakness and appeasement only embolden our adversaries and undermine American security.

The fragile tariff truce between the U.S. and China offers a temporary respite from the trade war, but it is not a substitute for a comprehensive trade agreement that addresses the underlying imbalances in the U.S.-China relationship. Trump must use this opportunity to push for structural reforms that will level the playing field and ensure that American businesses and workers can compete fairly.