Trump will be at the airport to greet Xi when China's leader arrives for his U.S. state visit

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a sanctions bill on Friday that grants him the authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting major buyers such as China and India. The action took place just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington, marking a strategic move by the Trump administration to assert economic pressure ahead of high-level discussions. The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was passed by Congress with bipartisan support. The House approved it by a 262-159 vote, and the Senate cleared it earlier this month with an 86-11 margin. The bill expands sanctions and tariffs against Russia, targeting its energy and defense sectors, as well as its alleged use of a "shadow fleet" of tankers to circumvent international sanctions. It also allows Trump to waive these measures based on national security considerations. Under the new law, Trump can levy tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas within 30 days of the law taking effect. Countries that continue to purchase Russian energy after the law is enacted or assist Russia in evading sanctions may also be included. While India and China are identified as major purchasers of Russian oil, the bill does not specify which countries will be targeted, leaving the administration broad discretion in enforcement. Analysts suggest the timing of the bill, days before Xi’s visit, may be intended to strengthen Trump’s position in negotiations. However, the lack of clear criteria for identifying target nations introduces uncertainty. Some experts believe Trump may avoid imposing immediate tariffs to prevent inflationary pressures ahead of the November midterms, though the potential for future actions remains open. Meanwhile, preparations for Xi’s state visit are underway. Trump is expected to greet the Chinese leader at Joint Base Andrews upon his arrival, a departure from his usual practice of hosting foreign dignitaries at the White House. The visit includes a formal arrival ceremony, a military parade in the Rose Garden, and a state dinner hosted by the Trumps in the East Room. First Lady Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan, Xi’s wife, will hold a separate engagement while their husbands conduct bilateral talks. The state dinner will feature prominent figures from the technology sector, including Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Sundar Pichai of Alphabet, and others. Trump expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting its popularity despite the unavailability of the newly constructed 1,000-person ballroom at the White House due to ongoing construction. He reportedly declined invitations from many individuals, emphasizing the exclusivity of the gathering. Following the dinner, Xi and Peng Liyuan will attend a private tea with the Trumps and later tour the National Archives, a highlight of the visit coinciding with the United States' 250th anniversary. The itinerary also includes discussions on trade, rare earth mineral flows, and artificial intelligence, areas of mutual interest between the two nations. Treasury Secretary Steve Bessent is set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York over the weekend to address economic matters, including the supply of rare earth minerals crucial for advanced technologies. These talks are expected to focus on balancing U.S. export controls with China’s strategic interests in securing vital resources. As the visit approaches, the interplay between economic pressures and diplomatic engagements continues to shape the dynamics of U.S.-China relations. The outcome of these discussions will likely influence future trade policies and geopolitical strategies in the region.