WASHINGTON - Ahead of this week's journey to China, President Donald Trump took to social media to forecast that his counterpart, Xi Jinping, would offer a warm embrace upon arrival.

However, Beijing's substantial economic connections to Iran, combined with lingering trade frictions from tariff disputes during Trump's initial presidency, may dampen the enthusiasm as he heads to Beijing this week - despite the Republican leader's consistent praise for Xi, whom he views as a formidable rival deserving of respect.

Trump has grown weary of lengthy flights and prolonged absences from the White House or his residences in Florida and New Jersey. He is set to land in Beijing on Wednesday evening, followed by a Thursday morning welcome event, a private meeting with Xi, and a joint visit to the Temple of Heaven - a historic 15th-century site representing the bond between earth and sky.

The itinerary includes a state banquet Thursday night, plus a tea session and working lunch with Xi on Friday prior to departure, according to White House spokesperson Anna Kelly on Sunday. Discussions will cover establishing a new Board of Trade for ongoing economic dialogue, alongside emphasis on sectors such as energy, aerospace, and agriculture.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated Monday that Beijing seeks collaboration with the U.S. on equal terms and mutual respect to broaden ties, address divergences, and foster global stability. He described the leaders' diplomacy as playing a vital strategic role in U.S.-China relations.

Ceremonial displays will abound, yet the spectacle is not anticipated to match the extravagance of Trump's 2017 debut visit, which China labeled a 'state visit-plus.'

'Prior to the Iran flare-up, a full state visit-plus was off the table due to ongoing strains,' observed Jonathan Czin, formerly the National Security Council's China director under the Biden administration.

During that earlier trip, China extended lavish hospitality, complete with a military band, flag-waving children, and cheers of welcome.

Xi hosted a Forbidden City tour, including a private dinner for Trump and first lady Melania Trump - a privilege unseen for any foreign leader since the People's Republic's 1949 founding, once exclusive to emperors.

The next day featured a grand ceremony at the Great Hall of the People with a military parade, capped by a state banquet highlighting Xi's prior Florida visit and a video of Trump's granddaughter Arabella singing in Chinese.

Ali Wyne, senior U.S.-China adviser at the Washington-based Crisis Group, anticipates the Chinese side will strive to make Trump feel this is the most memorable state visit of his presidencies.

Still, Wyne noted, the pageantry now serves a distinct purpose from 2017, as Xi better grasps Trump and U.S. strategies identify China as a near-peer competitor.

Brookings Institution fellow Czin expects subdued outcomes, suggesting China will withhold major trade concessions, calculating leverage from approaching U.S. midterm elections.

With Republicans prioritizing congressional control amid public discontent over Trump's economic approach and Iran actions, the White House touts past tariff firmness - later invalidated by the Supreme Court - as bolstering America's stance.

'Results matter more to President Trump than optics,' Kelly affirmed. 'Yet he maintains an excellent rapport with President Xi, rendering the Beijing summit meaningful in both form and substance.'

Trump and Xi could convene four times within eight months.

Post-Beijing, Trump intends to host Xi at the White House, possibly join the November Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, and welcome Xi to the subsequent Group of 20 gathering at his Doral, Florida resort.

Czin pointed out Xi's own aversion to travel, casting doubt on all meetings, and his aversion to personal diplomacy - evidenced by a January military purge severing family-linked ties.

Wyne countered that Xi values Trump's unique admiration and limited view of rivalry.

Thus, Xi might pursue maximum economic and security gains from Trump, Wyne suggested.

In a 2024 Wall Street Journal interview, Trump described Xi as 'really good' without claiming friendship, stressing their strong rapport.

Trump hinted then that Xi's respect might deter Taiwan aggression without force, though recent talk of arms sales to Taiwan complicates that.

Back in office, Trump has lauded U.S.-China ties despite postponing this Beijing trip - originally March - amid Iran's war onset.

He pressed China unsuccessfully to aid reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian blockades rattled global markets, but Beijing leveraged its top buyer status for Iranian oil to secure a tenuous ceasefire.

The White House anticipates Trump urging China on Iran, given Beijing's Tehran links and war's drag on its slowing economy; lasting peace could aid trade talks.

Trump's 2017 visit yielded $250 billion in tentative deals, many unrealized; 2020's $200 billion package similarly faded.

Last year's global tariff hikes spurred China to halt U.S. soybean buys and restrict rare earth exports vital to U.S. industry.

A fall trade truce has moderated tariffs bilaterally, with recent talks eyeing extension, per the White House.

'Trump never travels empty-handed for America,' Kelly said. 'Expect solid deals from China.'

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Associated Press writer E. Eduardo Castillo reported from Beijing