China's Xi and Trump: From Trade War to 'Great Friendship'

US President Donald Trump has hailed a "truly great friendship" with China's President Xi Jinping after a historic summit, marking a sharp reversal from their bitter trade war just one year ago. The meeting's lack of concrete outcomes, however, underscores persistent rivalry. Both nations addressed thorny issues—trade, tech, Taiwan, and Tehran—but made little progress, with no commitments on Iran or Taiwan arms sales and an unresolved trade truce. The lavish reception has sparked concern among US lawmakers over Trump's softened tone. Observers suggest Xi gains geopolitical advantage from the cordiality, advancing China's global ambitions amid warming American public opinion. Two more bilateral meetings are planned this year, though analysts note pageantry without diplomatic progress remains mere symbolism.