NPR News: 05-12-2026 5PM EDT

Ryland Barton· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. President Trump is on his way to China for a state visit. NPR's Tamara Keith reports trade is on the agenda.

Tamara Keith0:09

The White House says President Trump intends to deliver more good deals on behalf of the country to rebalance trade with China. There is currently a trade truce between the US and China after an all-out trade war last year. Melanie Hart is the senior director of the Global China Hub at the Atlantic Council.

Melanie Hart· Soundbite0:31

The US wants big purchase announcements, more access to China's rare earths, progress on fentanyl, and made-for-TV diplomatic spectacle. China's gonna deliver on the spectacle. China can do spectacle better than anybody. They will also deliver on the purchases.

Tamara Keith0:48

There will be bilateral meetings, a welcome ceremony, and a banquet. Tamara Keith, NPR News.

Ryland Barton· Host0:54

Trump is also expected to discuss the Iran war with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump has been pressing Xi to use China's considerable leverage to prod its ally to agree to US terms to end the war, but on his way out of town this afternoon, he also said he doesn't need China's help on Iran. The war has pushed inflation to its highest level in almost three years. NPR's Scott Horsley tells us more about the latest cost of living report from the Labor Department.

Scott Horsley1:20

Consumer prices in April were up three-point-eight percent from a year ago. That's the biggest annual increase since May of 2023. Prices jumped six-tenths