The Biggest Takeaways from the Trump-Xi Summit

The recent summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing marks a significant attempt to stabilize bilateral relations amid ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions. While the event featured substantial pageantry, concrete deliverables remained limited, with primary outcomes including agreements on trade, such as Boeing aircraft orders and agricultural commitments. Both leaders navigated domestic pressures, with Trump prioritizing the resolution of the Iran war and its impact on global oil prices, while Xi focused on managing a struggling, export-dependent Chinese economy. Tensions regarding Taiwan persist as a critical point of friction, with Xi emphasizing the potential for conflict if the issue is mishandled. The summit serves as a foundational meeting for a series of planned diplomatic engagements throughout the year, reflecting a mutual desire to manage competition and avoid the risks associated with the Thucydides trap.