Can US-China Relations Move Past the Tariff Tensions? Analyzing the Trump-Xi Dialogue

President Trump's long-desired dialogue with Xi Jinping has finally materialized, though it appears more as an invitation extended by the Chinese leader. Xi seems invigorated by the backlash against Trump's tariffs, placing him strategically in a challenging bargaining environment. Contrary to optimistic media portrayals, an analysis of the discussions suggests a significant discrepancy in the engagement level. Xi emphasized the necessity of recalibrating China-U.S. relations, portraying them as two captains steering a ship. He hinted at a “consensus” on trade while stating that substantial actions remain forthcoming. In stark contrast, the U.S. readout merely referenced general discussions, lacking substantial commitments. Notably, Xi claims Trump welcomed Chinese students to the U.S. despite an ongoing policy to revoke visas linked to the CCP. Xi's reminder to navigate the Taiwan issue cautiously indicates the still-present tensions. The absence of dialogue about rare earth exports highlights unresolved complexities. Thus, while communication has resumed, fundamental issues persist, necessitating a serious reassessment from Trump's administration.