Trump and Xi Extend Trade Truce as Weakened US Adapts

The Trump-Xi summit in Washington is being framed as a success, but the US is in a weakened position and forced to adapt, extending a trade truce by only two months to avoid economic shocks before midterm elections. The extension falls short of hoped-for stability, though some economic progress is underway with a new body to limit tariffs on Chinese tech goods in exchange for US energy and agricultural products. Beijing has resisted pressure on Iran and insists Taiwan is within its direct sphere of influence. The US is distracted by an inconclusive Middle East war, undermining its strategic shift toward the Pacific. Trump faces criticism at home for appearing weak, while internal White House factions push contradictory policies, leaving America to choose between a new Cold War narrative or accepting a multipolar world.