Behind the Scenes of U.S.-China Summitry

In this episode of Pekingology, host Henrietta Levin interviews Sarah Beran, a former senior China expert from the U.S. Foreign Service, about the intricacies of U.S.-China diplomacy, particularly focusing on presidential-level summits. Beran shares insights on how the U.S. and China prepare for these high-stakes meetings, the differing priorities each side brings to the table (optics vs. specific agreements), and the importance of predictability in communication. The conversation explores the significance of public statements, the evolution away from joint statements, and the role of U.S. allies in shaping the approach to China. Beran also reflects on past summits, including President Trump's 2017 state visit and the 2023 Woodside Summit, and discusses President Xi's evolving diplomatic style and his focus on domestic issues.