Trump Needs Beijing More Than Ever

The upcoming summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Washington is generating unusually low expectations globally, despite occurring amid multiple major international crises. The meeting will focus primarily on extending the rare earth export agreement and trade issues rather than addressing pressing global conflicts. The agenda includes renewing the rare earth deal vital to American industry, balancing Chinese exports with increased US agricultural and Boeing sales, and discussing AI information exchanges. Unlike past Cold War summits, no comprehensive agreements are expected, partly due to Trump's inconsistent policy declarations and diminished diplomatic preparation. China, though facing economic difficulties, remains uninvolved in current conflicts and benefits from discounted Russian oil, while the US is heavily engaged in the Middle East. Trump, facing midterm elections, needs concrete results, giving Xi greater leverage in these negotiations.