Trump Lands in Beijing to Meet Xi Amid Iran War and Economic Uncertainty

President Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening local time for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit comes at a key point in Trump's presidency with the war against Iran underway and questions lingering over the economy.

"We're the two superpowers," Trump told reporters as he left the White House on Tuesday. "We're the strongest nation on Earth in terms of military. China's considered second."

Chinese officials greeted Trump at the Beijing airport with an arrival ceremony.

"We have a lot of things to discuss," Trump said. "I wouldn't say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control."

Trump plans to press Xi to open China further to American business. He brought a delegation of executives, including Elon Musk on Air Force One, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who joined in Anchorage, and director Brett Ratner, known for the "Melania" documentary. Apple CEO Tim Cook and other chief executives are also expected.

Trump's son Eric, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, and his wife Lara flew on Air Force One. A Trump Organization spokesperson said Eric Trump would not conduct business on the trip.

Before departing, Trump spoke with New York City radio host Sid Rosenberg. He described the U.S.-China relationship as good and noted advantages to cooperation.

"If we didn't get along, you'd know about it, but a lot of advantages," Trump added.

Trump posted on social media before the trip that he would give Xi a "big, fat hug" at their meeting.

Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One that he did not need China's help with the war or economy. China buys the most Iranian oil, and large shipments sit trapped behind Iran's blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

A reporter asked how much Americans' finances motivated him to cut a deal. "Not even a little bit," Trump replied.

"I don't think about Americans' financial situation," he said. "I don't think about anybody. I think about one thing: we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon."