Pomp over progress in Xi’s US summit with Trump is a win for China
While US president hailed visit as ‘great’, almost nothing of substance was achieved on resolving thorny issues
TL;DR
- The second US-China presidential meeting focused on ceremony rather than substantive diplomatic progress.
- Key outcomes included a two-month extension of a trade truce, falling short of expectations.
- The US trade deficit with China saw a decrease, but this was partly offset by increased trade via third countries.
- Critical issues like artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and human rights saw no meaningful advancement.
- China's decision to block rare earth exports appeared to have influenced the US administration's approach.
- Xi Jinping's visit was viewed as a strategic win for China, enhancing Xi's image without significant compromises.
- US Senate Democrats criticized President Trump for prioritizing pageantry over purpose.