Major aviation breakthrough after years of trade tensions
BEIJING: US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that China had agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft during his visit to Beijing, marking the country’s first major order of US-made commercial jets in nearly a decade.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping approved the purchase during high-level talks aimed at improving trade and business relations between the two countries.
“One thing he agreed to today, he’s going to order 200 jets … 200 big ones,” Trump said during the interview.
However, officials did not immediately disclose details regarding the aircraft models or the total value of the agreement. It also remained unclear whether the deal involved Boeing’s single-aisle 737 MAX jets or larger long-haul aircraft, including the 787 Dreamliner or 777X.
Meanwhile, Boeing shares dropped more than four percent after Trump’s remarks aired, reflecting investor uncertainty surrounding the announcement.
Boeing seeks comeback in Chinese market
The reported order represents a significant step for Boeing after years of strained relations between Washington and Beijing disrupted aircraft sales.
During Trump’s 2017 China visit, Beijing agreed to buy 300 Boeing aircraft. Nevertheless, escalating trade disputes, combined with the global 737 MAX crisis and production setbacks, weakened Boeing’s position in China and strengthened rival Airbus.
Industry experts say China will require nearly 9,000 new aircraft by 2045, making it one of the world’s most critical aviation markets. Boeing executives, including CEO Kelly Ortberg, joined Trump’s Beijing delegation hoping to revive business ties and secure long-term commercial agreements.
