Trump shifts US-China policy, draws closer to Xi

President Trump has shifted US policy toward China over two years, easing the trade war and drawing closer to President Xi Jinping, with anti-China hawks like Marco Rubio softening their rhetoric and business leaders like Elon Musk now praising Beijing. Trump's transactional approach has driven the change, as officials adapt to his line while maintaining private skepticism. The US-China relationship now balances public cordiality with continued competition, including naval exercises and Taiwan arms sales. Xi's visit to Washington this week focuses on renewing the trade truce expiring in November, with potential tariff reductions. China may leverage its Iran ties as a bargaining chip, while AI competition and rare earth dependencies shape the broader dynamic.