What To Expect In The Trump-Xi Summit

_WHAT’S HAPPENING_

President Donald Trump is set to travel to Beijing next week for a two-day state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting comes amid extraordinary global strain: oil prices remain volatile as the US naval blockade of Iran continues, tariffs and trade friction persist between Washington and Beijing, and Taiwan looms in the background as the object of Xi’s desire.

Both leaders are expected to announce superficial wins — likely agricultural purchases and perhaps aircraft sales — but analysts broadly agree that substantive breakthroughs on core issues are unlikely. The summit is the latest attempt to stabilize a relationship marked by rivalry and mutual suspicion, as well as by the president’s aggressive trade policy, much of which aims to counteract China’s unfair practices.

Read the rest — free for 7 days.

Friday and Sunday coverage is for members only. Join our supporting readers who get the full story every morning — in under 5 minutes.

❤️ Start your free trial →

Members get full access to:

Six mornings a week, nothing missed
5-minute read
Media spin exposed daily
Realtime media fact-checks
Concise story summaries

Reply

or to participate

Jim Harmon6 months ago

I think the more diplomatic efforts the better. But we know that China remains our enemy and cannot necessarily be trusted. Trust but verify is an important approach to diplomacy.

Michael H.6 months ago

It is always good to keep in contact with US enemies. It keeps the US informed on the stance of the leadership of China and helps keep tensions from going too far.

Jim Harmon6 months ago

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer"

sharon smith6 months ago

Definitely, for optics, showing that the U.S. is willing to negotiate and cooperate, even though Xi is likely to stand firm against proposed American policy.

Photo Man6 months ago

"Is it a good idea for Trump to meet with Xi Jinping?" Since China buys 90% of Iran' exported oil, perhaps Trump can use that leverage to get Xi to convince the Iranians to renege on their outrageous war settlement demands. And thus get the Strait open and functioning properly again. That would be a win not only for US, China, Iran but every country.

Bob Tasker6 months ago

It is a very good idea for Trump to meet with Xi. Keep the lines of communication open. It would seem that this meeting is a chance for the US to get further assistance from China in curbing Iran's nuclear program. China has mutted it's response to Trump's actions in Iran - it would appear that China does not support a nuclear weapon for Iran. It has enough trouble with N Korea. Keep your friends close - but your enemies closer. Bob Tasker

Jim Ahern6 months ago

Sorry, but the days of diplomacy with Communist China have been over for quite some time just to clear it up. Why in gods name would you sit down with an unabashed enemy who has and continues to undermine this country at every turn??Whether we're talking (ex. economics, societal, security, elections, espionage), you name it, China is right there supporting or engaging directly in any and all efforts to bring America down, FACT.. So this little Fren-emy act that Trump and Xi are putting on is a waste of time and an insult to our intelligence in reality. Nothing will get accomplished folks as history has shown, especially in recent years. But hey, at least the optics look good, right..

Jim Powers6 months ago

It's always a good idea for conversation channels to remain open, regardless of whether or not anything substantive comes out of it.

Jim Powers 6 months ago

Yes.

Than Johnson6 months ago

I hope we don’t give into China not buying American Soybeans . Brazil is beating us to the punch and farmers , Republican farmers are hurting. China needs to be held to parameters of their deal President Trump. Than

Bonnie Hissom6 months ago

Probably.

Fred Scott6 months ago

I believe so!