Trump to Bring Musk, Cook to Xi Summit in China

U.S. - China relations have been under sustained strain over tariffs, semiconductor export controls, and competition in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods during his first term and renewed and expanded trade pressure following his return to office, making economic negotiations a central concern for American technology firms with significant exposure to Chinese supply chains and markets. Apple relies heavily on China for manufacturing, while Tesla operates a major production facility in Shanghai. Musk's inclusion is notable given his range of business interests intersecting with Chinese industrial policy. The decision to bring private-sector leaders to a head-of-state meeting reflects a strategy of pairing diplomatic engagement with visible corporate stakeholders.