'China Is Beautiful': Trump Visits Beijing’s Temple Of Heaven With Xi After High-Stakes Talks | Watch

Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 11:27 IST

Trump and Xi visited Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven after high-stakes talks, with videos showing the two leaders touring the landmark as Trump praised China’s beauty.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen walking through Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven on Thursday after concluding high-stakes bilateral talks.

Videos of the two leaders at the temple were widely shared on social media.

In one of the clips, reposted by the White House, Trump could be seen admiring the surroundings and telling reporters, “It’s great, a great place. Incredible. China is beautiful."

In another video, Trump and Xi could be seen strolling through the sprawling temple complex, surrounded by officials and security personnel, as they toured the UNESCO World Heritage site after their closed-door discussions in Beijing.

The Temple of Heaven visit came shortly after the two leaders wrapped up talks that focused on several contentious issues, including Taiwan, trade disputes and the ongoing tensions involving Iran.

According to AFP, the two leaders arrived at the heritage site shortly after 1 pm local time.

TRUMP PRAISES XI DURING CLOSED-DOOR MEETING

Earlier in the day, Trump struck a warm tone while meeting Xi at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, calling the Chinese President a “great leader" and saying, “It’s an honour to be your friend."

AP reported that Trump also expressed optimism about ties between the two countries, saying the relationship between China and the United States was “going to be better than ever before."

“You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true," Trump said during the opening remarks.

According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, cited by AP, Xi, in response, warned that mishandling Taiwan could lead to “clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy."

Xi also invoked the concept of the “Thucydides Trap", a term often used in foreign policy discussions to describe the danger of war between a rising power and an established one.

“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both," Xi said, adding that the two countries “should be partners rather than rivals."

PAGEANTRY, SYMBOLISM AND HIGH STAKES

AP reported that the atmosphere around the visit featured elaborate symbolism and ceremonial grandeur, including a formal welcome ceremony with booming cannons, marching bands and schoolchildren waving American and Chinese flags.

The Temple of Heaven stop formed part of the broader state visit itinerary before Trump was scheduled to attend a state banquet hosted by Xi.

The religious complex dates back to the 15th century and is among Beijing’s most recognisable imperial landmarks.

Despite the optics and public warmth, major disagreements remain unresolved.

TRADE, TAIWAN AND IRAN DOMINATE DISCUSSIONS

According to AP, the White House has suggested Trump’s visit could produce announcements related to trade, including potential Chinese commitments to purchase American soybeans, beef and aircraft.

Officials are also reportedly exploring the possibility of creating a Board of Trade mechanism to address commercial disputes between the two countries.

Taiwan emerged as another key flashpoint during the discussions.

China has objected strongly to US plans for an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, while Washington continues to deepen trade and technology ties with the self-governed island.

AP reported that Trump’s position on Taiwan has raised questions about whether he could scale back support for Taipei amid broader negotiations with Beijing.

Iran and the global economic fallout from tensions in the Persian Gulf also cast a shadow over the talks.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said the Trump administration wants China to use its influence over Iran, especially as energy disruptions and fears surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue affecting global markets.

Rubio said economies were “melting down because of this crisis."

Even so, neither Washington nor Beijing announced any breakthrough following the Trump-Xi meeting.

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