The second day of US President Donald Trump’s visit to China began with his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Zhongnanhai, the strictly guarded leadership compound of the Communist Party, often described as China’s equivalent of the White House.
The complex spans approximately 6,000 acres and includes lakes, pavilions, gardens and administrative buildings. Around half of the site consists of water features, while the area is enclosed by historic red walls and is considered one of the most restricted locations in the country.
According to CNN, upon his arrival on Friday morning, Trump was seen speaking with Xi as they walked through the complex gardens. Journalists accompanying the delegation were asked to step back shortly afterwards, as the two leaders continued their discussion in private.
NOW: President Trump arrives at Zhongnanhai Garden to meet with Chinese President Xi. pic.twitter.com/C0FHEm8wXg
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 15, 2026
“We solved many problems”
Before formal talks, Trump and Xi walked for about ten minutes through the gardens. Passing green columns and decorative arches, Trump remarked that “these are the most beautiful roses he has ever seen,” with Xi later responding that he would send him rose seeds “as a gift.”
Trump described his visit as “incredible,” stating that “a lot of good came out of it.” He added that the two sides achieved “fantastic trade agreements for both countries” and resolved problems “that others could not.”
The US president also described his relationship with Xi Jinping as “very strong.” During his remarks at Zhongnanhai, Trump said the two leaders discussed Iran, noting agreement that Tehran must not acquire nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open. “We want all of this to end, because the situation there is crazy,” he said.
A “fortress”
Security in the area remains extremely tight, with surveillance cameras covering all points and strong security presence both in uniform and plain clothes. A Chinese official accompanying the delegation described Zhongnanhai as “a very private place,” underscoring the highly controlled nature of the meeting.
🏛️ Trump’s China finale: Zhongnanhai respect & big business.
— War Intel (@war_intell) May 15, 2026
Just hours before wheels up, President Xi personally hosted Trump at his official residence , the first foreign leader to tour the highly guarded Zhongnanhai grounds in years 🇨🇳🤝🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/1ngHWpPHLp
Second round of talks
Trump and Xi are expected to proceed to a second round of talks in a more restricted format later today, during a tea meeting.
Unlike Thursday’s broader discussions, both sides will participate with smaller groups of senior officials, in what is expected to be a more focused exchange.
From the US side, Trump is accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Ambassador to China David Perdue.
On the Chinese side, Xi Jinping is joined by chief of staff Cai Qi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Vice‑Premier He Lifeng, a key figure on trade negotiations, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and China’s ambassador to the United States Xie Feng.
Tea diplomacy at Zhongnanhai
Xi Jinping is known for his preference for tea and has previously hosted carefully staged tea meetings for visiting foreign leaders.
Tea holds deep historical and cultural significance in China, with a tradition spanning thousands of years and hundreds of varieties. In diplomatic practice, offering tea is regarded as a gesture of respect, sincerity and courtesy, while also serving as a symbolic projection of Chinese culture.
