BBC News Briefing

14 May, 2026

Sofia has long brown hair and brown eyes and is wearing a green top.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. China has rolled out the literal red carpet for President Donald Trump's state visit. My colleagues bring you all the highlights, the pomp, and the pageantry from day one. Back in the US, we find out how it feels to be facing weeks alone in hantavirus quarantine. And finally, a BBC reporter makes a startling discovery about one of his ancestors.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Cheering children, gun salute, and a two-hour high-stakes meeting

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping stand together as they tour the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China, May 14, 2026.

Trump is only the second sitting US president to visit the Temple of Heaven, a sacred place in Chinese history. Credit: Reuters

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has welcomed Trump to Beijing with a lavish ceremony. The two leaders held talks for nearly two hours, which the US president described as "great". They discussed the flow of fentanyl into the US, the Strait of Hormuz reopening and "economic cooperation", according to a White House readout. However, deep differences remain on issues including tariffs and industrial policy, Asia business correspondent Suranjana Tewari writes. And after talks began, China released a warning about Taiwan, the self-governed island claimed by Beijing which is a key source of tension between the two superpowers. Despite the sticking points, expect more pomp today as Xi hosts Trump at a banquet in the Golden Room.

Get the latest

In pictures: Trump's schedule included a troop parade, a two-hour meeting with Xi, and a tour of the Temple of Heaven.

‌

Watch: On day one, Trump shook hands with Xi, applauded cheering children and said "China is beautiful".

Explainer: Here's everything you need to know about what will happen during the visit.

WORLD HEADLINES

Rescuers search for people under the debris at the site of an apartment building damaged during Russian missile and drone strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv. Credit: Reuters

Russia launches massive wave of Ukraine strikes

At least four people have been killed and children injured, as Russia's assault ramps up after a brief ceasefire.

What happened >

A man kneels while stirring a pot placed on a portable stove placed on the pavement.

Cuba is out of diesel and oil, energy minister says

Vicente de la O Levy told state-run media the energy system was in a "critical" state as a US-led oil blockade squeezed supply.

More details >

Kouri Richins, who has long brown hair and brown eyes, tilts her face and looks up while frowning slightly

Grief author who poisoned husband jailed for life

When issuing the sentence, the judge said: "A person convicted of those things is simply too dangerous to ever be free."

Read more >

Warning higher Europe air fares 'inevitable'

The boss of the International Air Transport Association has said airlines could not absorb the higher cost of jet fuel over time.

What to know >