Trump shifts from China critic to host for Xi's state visit

President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit on Thursday, marking a dramatic shift from his earlier campaign rhetoric that called China a menace to the U.S. economy. Trump now praises Xi as a "great gentleman" and has declined to criticize China on issues like satellite imagery for Iran and alleged voter file access. His initial tariff strategy backfired, as China's monopoly on rare earths forced a trade armistice, and Trump has since undermined traditional alliances that previously pressured Beijing. The visit may lack concrete policy deliverables, with the relationship itself being the main outcome. Critics warn Trump's personal approach comes at a time when the U.S. needs to intensify competition with China, which has expanded its manufacturing dominance and global trade surplus.