Flushing Residents Express Mixed Views on Trump-Xi Summit

New York City — President Trump's state visit to China this week for his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping has sparked excitement in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.

Mandarin dominates conversations at the markets and shops along one of Flushing's main thoroughfares. Even Vietnamese and Malaysian residents often choose the Chinese dialect over English. CBS News interviewed two dozen people, mostly from China along with some from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

"A strong U.S. and a strong China benefits everyone," said one man who has lived in Queens for 34 years.

The American citizen, in his 70s and born in China, recalled a time when China was more open to the West. He spoke in Mandarin about his hopes for closer U.S.-China relations. He appeared unconcerned by obstacles such as the Iran war, tensions over Taiwan, tariffs and trade.

Taiwan ranks as Xi's top priority. But Taiwanese people in Flushing who spoke to CBS News voiced strong support for Taiwanese independence.

"China and Taiwan have nothing in common," said a Taiwanese-born man sitting in the sun eating hot pot.

Most Chinese-born people interviewed by CBS News declined to share their views on Xi.

One man born in Hong Kong said he hopes Xi grants more freedoms in mainland China, where his older sister lives. He expressed worry about reduced freedoms in Hong Kong since China regained control of the island.

He hopes the summit succeeds: "We all have to live together on earth."

When asked about the impact of Trump policies on their community, most interviewees declined to comment. Some mentioned anti-Asian sentiment right after the COVID-19 pandemic, when FBI data showed a spike in hate crimes against Asians.

The numbers have dropped from their 2023 peak. Still, more than 300 reported attacks on Asians in the U.S. last year exceeded pre-pandemic levels, according to FBI data.

One man born in Malaysia said he sometimes feels disrespected as an Asian in the U.S.

A woman born in China who sells nuts at a snack stand said the U.S. offers a high standard of living. She added that living standards in China are improving.

"I think the U.S.-China relationship is also getting better," she said.