President Donald Trump said Chinese leader Xi Jinping likes the idea of buying more oil from the United States. The remark came during their meeting in Beijing, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations. Trump's comment suggests a potential shift toward increased US energy exports to China, a market US producers have coveted for years.

US oil exports to China remain a fraction of total Asian demand. A deal would mark a notable step in US-China economic ties during a high-stakes visit. Trump framed the discussion as part of broader efforts to strengthen commercial relationships between the world's two largest economies.

Oil markets tend to react to such diplomatic signals. If China follows through on expanding purchases, US crude exporters stand to benefit, while China gains a diversification of supply sources amid its own energy needs.