Trump touches down in Beijing — and gets a warning from Xi

Summary

Apple News Today Podcast Summary

Episode: Trump touches down in Beijing — and gets a warning from Xi
Date: May 14, 2026
Host: Gideon Resnick (with reporting from Amer Madhani, Andy Pakone, Ben Knoll)

---

Overview

This episode covers President Donald Trump's ceremonial visit to Beijing, focusing on the diplomatic tensions surrounding Taiwan, U.S.-China relations, and efforts (and obstacles) to pass a gas tax break in the U.S. Congress. The show also explains the science and stakes of an impending “Super El Niño” weather event, and reports on recent Senate news and cultural headlines.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump’s Visit to Beijing & U.S.-China Relations

• Lavish Reception: President Trump received an elaborate welcome, including a military parade and crowds of children, as he arrived in Beijing.
• Warmth and Warnings: Both Trump and Xi Jinping exchanged formal flattery, but President Xi quickly issued a pointed warning: the Taiwan issue threatens the stability of the U.S.-China relationship.
  • Quote: "The world had arrived at a crossroads... could [the U.S. and China] avoid conflict?" — Xi Jinping via AP readout (01:15–01:36)
• Taiwan in the Spotlight:
  • China restated its claim over Taiwan, warning that mishandling the matter could lead to "clashes and even conflicts."
  • The U.S., while affirming unofficial support for Taiwan and continued arms sales, officially denies supporting Taiwanese independence.
  • Quote: "If it's handled properly, the relationship will be one of stability. But if it's not, they offer that there could be clashes and even conflicts." — Amer Madhani (01:51–02:20)
  • Trump has been ambivalent—authorizing a record arms sale to Taiwan but then signaling willingness to negotiate with China directly about it, a break from precedent.
  • Quote: “On one hand, he's approved an $11 billion arms sale... he’s said that he’s willing to talk to President Xi about that sale. And that in and of itself is a departure from historically what presidents have done.” — Amer Madhani (03:03–03:20)
• Iran & Global Security Issues:
  • Both countries agreed on keeping the Strait of Hormuz free for shipping and not letting Iran exact payments.
  • Trump publicly downplayed needing China’s help on Iran:
    • Quote: "I don't think we need any help with Iran. We'll win it one way or the other. We'll win it peacefully or otherwise." — Donald Trump (04:03–04:13)
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that China would use its influence with Iran, citing Chinese economic interests:
    • Quote: “It's in their interest to resolve this. We hope to convince them to play a more active role.” — Marco Rubio (04:21–04:40)
• No Major Announcements—Yet:
  • A delegation of tech CEOs (Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Jensen Huang) joined Trump, but no business deals or trade advances were imminent.

---

2. U.S. Gas Tax Suspension Proposal and Congressional Response

• Background: Trump proposed suspending the federal gas tax (~18 cents/gallon) to give relief at the pump amid wartime inflation.
• Mixed Reception:
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune responded that he was “listening” but has not previously supported similar proposals.
    • Quote: "Well, I'm listening. I think right now you probably know I've not in the past been a huge fan like of previous attempts." — John Thune (05:27–05:35)
  • Some Democrats supportive, but most Republicans remain hesitant.
  • Andy Pakone (POLITICO) notes momentum is slow as Congress weighs the impact on infrastructure funding.
    • Quote: "They don't want to be seen as defunding federal infrastructure projects, especially not just before the midterm elections…” — Andy Pakone (06:50–06:58)
  • The fate of the Highway Trust Fund and the federal deficit are major sticking points.
  • Many lawmakers prefer to wait for a resolution to the war, lowering prices naturally.

---

3. Senate War Powers Debate

• Senate Action: The Senate again rejected (for the seventh time) a Democratic proposal to limit Trump's military powers on Iran.
• A small but growing group of Republicans has voiced support for restricting presidential authority in this area.

---

4. Super El Niño: Climate & Economic Threat

• Definition: "Super El Niño" occurs when east-central Pacific ocean temperatures spike ~2°C above average, intensifying global weather impacts.
  • Explainer: "There's a warming in the ocean and then the response in the atmosphere... can be stronger." — Ben Knoll (08:19–08:36)
• Risks and Impacts:
  • Severe and persistent climate effects: droughts, wildfires in Australia, disrupted monsoons in India, wild weather swings in the U.S.
  • Historical precedent: The 1877 Super El Niño triggered mass global famines and 3–4% population loss.
    • Quote: “That event was preceded by big droughts... and basically led to global famine.” — Ben Knoll (09:34–09:59)
  • Today, advanced tracking and stronger institutions help mitigate risks, but extreme conditions are highly likely.
  • NOAA projects a 61% chance of El Niño conditions through 2026.
  • Message: This is a call to “plan and prepare” for major global disruptions—not to alarm but to raise awareness.
    • Quote: “So it's not to alarm, it's not to scare. But it is, I think, a message of planning and preparing and being ready for something.” — Ben Knoll (10:45–11:10)

---

5. Other Headlines (11:10+)

• Federal Reserve: Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair by record-slim margin, highlighting partisan concerns over future rate policy.
• Murdaugh Case: South Carolina Supreme Court overturns lawyer Alex Murdaugh’s murder conviction due to juror interference; new trial expected.
• World Cup Halftime Show: FIFA announces a major halftime show at the World Cup final with Madonna, Shakira, BTS, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Some traditionalists express concern about lengthening the strict 15-minute break.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Xi Jinping, on US-China crossroads: "The world had arrived at a crossroads... could [the U.S. and China] avoid conflict?" (01:15–01:36)
• Amer Madhani, on the Taiwan warning: "If it's handled properly, the relationship will be one of stability. But if it's not... there could be clashes and even conflicts." (01:51–02:20)
• Donald Trump, dismissing the need for Chinese help on Iran: "I don't think we need any help with Iran. We'll win it one way or the other." (04:03–04:13)
• Marco Rubio, on Chinese incentives: "It's in their interest to resolve this. We hope to convince them to play a more active role." (04:21–04:40)
• **John Thune, on the gas tax: "Well, I'm listening... I've not in the past been a huge fan." (05:27–05:35)
• Ben Knoll, on Super El Nino: “So it's not to alarm, it's not to scare. But it is... a message of planning and preparing and being ready for something.” (10:45–11:10)

---

Important Timestamps

• 00:39 – Trump’s arrival in Beijing, ceremonial welcome
• 01:15 – Xi Jinping issues warning about Taiwan
• 01:51 – China’s blunt post-meeting readout (Taiwan)
• 03:03 – Trump’s ambivalence on Taiwan arms sales
• 04:05 – Trump and Rubio on Iran & China’s role
• 05:27 – Senate leader Thune and gas tax suspension debate
• 06:50 – Risks to Highway Trust Fund and infrastructure
• 07:43 – Senate war powers limitation vote
• 08:19 – Ben Knoll explains Super El Niño
• 09:34 – Historical Super El Niño/global famine context
• 10:45 – Call to “plan and prepare” for coming climate events
• 11:10 – Rapid-fire headlines (Fed chair confirmation, Murdaugh case, FIFA halftime show)

---

Structure and Tone

The episode offers brisk, accessible explanations with an emphasis on realpolitik and the high stakes of U.S.-China diplomacy. Policy debates (such as the gas tax) are presented through concise interviews and expert analysis, while feature segments—like the climate discussion—blend scientific clarity with urgency. The delivery maintains a professional, news-driven tone throughout.

Transcript

[Gideon Resnick]

Good morning. President Trump arrives in China to pomp, pageantry and a warning.

[Amer Madhani]

They set it out that Taiwan could put the entire relationship between the two world's biggest economies in great jeopardy.

[Gideon Resnick]

The AP speaks to us from Beijing. Also, why the White House's pitch for a gas tax break is running into some early dead ends. And just what exactly is a super El Nino? It's Thursday, May 4th 14th. I'm Gideon Resnick. This is Apple News.

[Andy Pakone]

Today,

[Gideon Resnick]

President Trump received a lavish welcome as Air Force One touched down in Beijing. Trump shook hands with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping amid a military parade and was surrounded by crowds of flag waving children. And when the two leaders came face to face inside the Great hall of the People, Trump was effusive in his praise.

[John Thune]

You're a great leader. It's an honor to be with you. It's an honor to be your friend. And the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.

[Gideon Resnick]

Xi delivered his own flattery, congratulating Trump on the 250th anniversary of the United States. But he also acknowledged their differences. He said the world had arrived at a crossroads and asked rhetorically whether the two countries could avoid conflict.

[Amer Madhani]

I was really taken by what seemed to me like a pretty sharp contrast in the two leaders.

[Gideon Resnick]

Amer Madhani is a White House reporter for the Associated Press who's been traveling with the president. He told us that Chinese leadership was quick to press the issue of Taiwan.

[Amer Madhani]

What was really notable to me was that the Chinese government was very quick to come out with a readout after their meeting, and they went for about two hours. And in the government statement, they laid it out pretty bluntly. If it's handled properly, the relationship will be one of stability. But if it's not, they offer that there could be clashes and even conflicts.

[Gideon Resnick]

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province that they will eventually control. The U.S. meanwhile, maintains unofficial relations with the island and is committed to providing it with military support. Its geographic location and more recently, its dominance in chip manufacturing makes it a strategically important place. It's also incredibly complicated. The US Says it doesn't support Taiwanese independence, but as President Biden's former China ambassador recently noted, declaring outright opposition would in itself be a language shift that could send shockwaves through the region. Trump's improvisational style on the world stage is therefore being watched closely. Manhattani told us that Trump has rarely mentioned Taiwan in his second term, but had been especially ambivalent in the last few months.

[Amer Madhani]

On one hand, he's approved a $11 billion arms sale back in December. And that sale alone was the largest ever single arms sale approved to Taiwan. But the weaponry from that sale hasn't begun flowing. And since then, Trump has said that he's willing to talk to President Xi about that sale. And that in and of itself is a departure from historically what presidents have done and not discussing those sales with China.

[Gideon Resnick]

The other topic people were watching closely was Iran, where China holds considerable influence. This morning, a White House readout of talks suggested that the two countries had agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain a free waterway and that Iran shouldn't be able to exact payments for use of shipping lanes. Trump had downplayed any chance of Chinese involvement on Iran when speaking to reporters earlier this week.

[Ben Knoll]

Do you think he needs to intervene

[Gideon Resnick]

at all with the Iranians? He can help in any way.

[John Thune]

I don't think we need any help with Iran. We'll win it one way or the other. We'll win it peacefully or otherwise.

[Gideon Resnick]

But in a Fox interview aboard Air Force One, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said that he hoped China would try to use its influence on Iran.

[Marco Rubio]

Well, of all the countries of the world, economies are melting down because of this crisis in the Straits. They're going to be buying less Chinese product and the Chinese exports are going to drop precipitously. So it's in their interest to resolve this. We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they're doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf.

[Gideon Resnick]

In 2017, the two presidents met for dinner at Trump's Mar A Lago estate. There, over chocolate cake, Trump revealed to Xi that he had launched strikes on Syria. This occasion looks to be less eventful, and Manhani says the White House hasn't given any indication that any major announcements are coming. A large delegation of tech CEOs are with Trump, including Elon Musk, Apple's Tim Cook, and Nvidia's Jensen Huang. But it remains to be seen whether the two countries might advance any business deals or or extend their fragile trade war truce. As president, Trump looks to help alleviate some pain for Americans at the gas pump. So far, he's gotten a lukewarm response from some Republicans who he need to make it happen.

[John Thune]

Well, I'm listening. I think right now you probably know I've not in the past been a huge fan like of previous attempts.

[Gideon Resnick]

That's how Senate Majority Leader John Thune responded to a question Tuesday from reporters about the president's plan to suspend the federal gas tax. He went on to say that he'd be willing to hear the president's arguments on it. This conversation started when Trump pitched a suspension of the tax earlier this week.

[Andy Pakone]

It'd be about 18 cents per gallon, or maybe less than that in practice.

[Gideon Resnick]

Andy Pakone is a reporter with POLITICO's energy team.

[Andy Pakone]

But it's seen as one way that the administration can maybe soften the blow of the rising fuel prices we're seeing as a result of the war.

[Gideon Resnick]

Republican Senator Josh Hawley introduced a bill that would suspend the tax for at least 90 days. The concept is not new and, in fact, had been pitched by former President Biden before as a means of helping out the nation's drivers when prices go up. And some Democrats have been vocally supportive of a suspension recently as well. But Bacone reports that Republicans, by and large, haven't all leapt at the opportunity.

[Andy Pakone]

There isn't a whole lot of momentum behind that idea just yet. I think we're seeing members of Congress discuss it, you know, see what's viable, see if there's appetite for that kind of thing. But so far it's been pretty slow.

[Gideon Resnick]

In part, that's because of concerns about the Highway Trust Fund. That's a pool of money that's used on highway construction and other infrastructure projects. And lifting the tax even temporarily could have an impact on things those dollars pay for.

[Andy Pakone]

They don't want to be seen as defunding federal infrastructure projects, especially not just before the midterm elections later this year.

[Gideon Resnick]

That's in some measure why Thune said that he was against the idea when Biden floated it in 2022amid a price spike from the war in Ukraine. And he said that was also motivating his thinking. Now some trucking and construction industry trade groups have also pushed back for that reason. Picone notes that some of the proposed legislation could find ways to make up the revenue difference. But there are also concerns about the impact on the federal deficit. He told us that many members of Congress are hoping for a resolution to the war as a means of dealing with inflation rather than tampering with an important pool of federal money.

[Andy Pakone]

They really seem interested in having this war come to a close and bring prices down and dealing with the affordability issue that way, as opposed to trying to pass some legislation that could cause headaches for them. On the House and Senate floor yesterday,

[Gideon Resnick]

the Senate rejected the seventh attempt from Democrats to limit Trump's ability to use military force against Iran. But one more Republican Senator, Lisa Murkowski joined her colleagues to vote in favor of moving it forward. That brings the number of Republicans willing to restrict Trump's war powers to three. Super El Nino is coming. That's the feeling of a widening group of meteorologists who think the chances are high that in the coming months we will experience this major atmospheric phenomenon.

[Ben Knoll]

Super El Nino is basically when the waters in that part of the east central Pacific rise about 2 degrees Celsius, or about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above average. So there's a warming in the ocean and then the response in the atmosphere because of how much warming there is in the ocean, can be stronger.

[Gideon Resnick]

Ben Knoll is a meteorologist for the Washington Post. El Ninos can impact weather pretty significantly around the globe, but when Pacific Ocean temperatures are exceptionally warmer, things get a lot worse. Knoll says that can cause climate patterns to be more persistent and longer lasting. And all these factors can have a big economic impact as the risk for extreme weather worsens.

[Ben Knoll]

I've been hearing on social media a lot from folks that live in India, concerned farmers about the monsoon there, agricultural production in that part of the world, very important. Other places like Australia, they tend to get quite dry. They had a couple years ago during El Nino, some horrendous bushfires, wildfires there. The U.S. you know, we're looking for big droughts in the south right now, but maybe later in the year those could turn to floods and heavy rainfall across places that are currently experiencing drought. So you swing from one extreme to the other.

[Gideon Resnick]

These so called Super El Ninos have been devastating in the past. And this year's conditions are being compared to an especially bad one in 1877.

[Ben Knoll]

That event was preceded by big droughts around the world. And then the El Nino came and it basically made everything much worse. So you kind of have these compounding risk factors, decisions made in different places around the world, governments at the time, and that basically led to global famine. And we had about 3 to 4% of the total population of the world die during that event.

[Gideon Resnick]

Now, just because that was a devastating event doesn't mean the same outcome would happen now, knowles said. Today we have the ability to track El Nino's much more accurately compared to folks in 1877. And other economic and political factors that made that worse are different today, too. Still, it took until the early 1980s, when another surprise Super El Nino hit, to revolutionize monitoring, tracking and understanding of what weather conditions like this can bring. This week, the national oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said there is a 61% chance of El Nino emerging and lasting through 2026. And Noel says that for the US we could see the system peak this winter. Beyond that, a super El Nino could give us a preview of where climate might be heading in the future, as some climate scientists say that next year could be the hottest on record.

[Ben Knoll]

So it's not to alarm, it's not to scare. But it is, I think, a message of planning and preparing and being ready for something next year and later this year that could have a pretty strong effect around the world and link us all together.

[Gideon Resnick]

Before we let you go, a few other stories we're following. Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh to be the next Federal Reserve chair. Warsh was approved by a 54 to 45 vote, which is the smallest margin ever for this role. Pennsylvania's John Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote for him. That slim margin, Bloomberg notes, highlights the unusual partisanship injected into his selection to lead the Fed. Some Democrats fear that Warsh will rapidly reduce interest rates, succumbing to pressure from the president, though he vowed in his confirmation hearing to remain independent. For some historical context, Janet Yellen, President Obama's pick, earned 56 votes. Her predecessor, Ben Bernanke, was approved by a 7030 vote. And before that, Alan Greenspan, who served five terms, was approved 912 in his first nomination. Warsh begins his term this month, and he's facing a tough economic outlook as prices for rent, gas and groceries all spiked in April. The South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the double murder conviction of Alex Murdaugh, a disgraced lawyer accused of killing his wife and son. The state's high court said a clerk in the county where Murdoch was tried engaged in, quote, shocking interference when she suggested to jurors that his testimony couldn't be trusted. The attorney general in South Carolina said he disagreed with the decision and will, quote, aggressively seek to retry Murdoch. The case drew national intrigue in 2023 as prosecutors claimed Murdoch killed his family to distract from alleged financial crimes he had committed. Murdoch won't walk free anytime soon, however, as he had also been serving time for separate financial convictions. His legal team said in a statement they look forward to a new trial. And FIFA has announced its headline acts at the World Cup's first ever super bowl style halftime show. Madonna, Shakira and the South Korean boy band BTS will perform in a show being curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. It's being planned for the final in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium this July. And later today, Shakira will release her official World cup song Die Die. She posted a preview of the track on her social media last week. It's the second time that she's made an official song for the tournament. The scale of the halftime show has raised a few concerns for the purists. Soccer has a strict 15 minute break between halves and this could push that back for the first time in a final. FIFA president Gianni Infantino wouldn't confirm the length, but said it would be, quote, a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world. You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app. And if you're already listening in the news app right now, we've got a narrated article coming up next. New York magazine looks at how Delta Airlines morphed its company to a lifestyle brand to stay ahead catering to elite customers. If you're listening in the podcast app, you can follow Apple News narrated to find that story. Then I'll be back with some news tomorrow.