Xi, Trump Meet in China | Balance of Power: Early Edition 5/14/2026

Summary

The episode covers the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, including a warning from Xi on Taiwan, a deal for Boeing to sell 200 jets to China, and the resumption of U.S. beef imports. It also highlights the strong debut of Cerebras Systems' IPO and ongoing AI infrastructure spending by major tech companies. Geopolitical tensions and the role of China in the Strait of Hormuz are discussed.

• President Trump and President Xi held a summit in Beijing, with Xi warning that Taiwan risks derailing US-China relations.
• China agreed to purchase nearly 200 Boeing jets, though the number fell short of market expectations of 500.
• The US announced a resumption of beef import licenses for American slaughterhouses to China.
• Cerebras Systems began trading after a $5.5 billion IPO, with shares surging as much as 95% in its debut.
• NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang accompanied Trump to China, seeking permission to sell H200 chips to Chinese customers.
• Major AI developers (Meta, Amazon, Google, Microsoft) continued to increase AI infrastructure spending, supporting chip demand.
• Senator Steve Daines discussed the importance of China's help in stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz and lowering oil prices.
• Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi expressed concerns that Trump may ease chip export controls to secure deals with China.