Trump-Xi summit: analysts split on whether talks will deliver
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet in Washington this week for a summit expected to address AI, tariffs, rare earths, and trade, though analysts are divided on whether it will yield substantive results or mere political theatre. The three-day visit, Xi's first US state trip in 11 years, includes ceremonial events and bilateral talks. Some experts predict an extension of the October 2025 trade ceasefire, with possible agreements on agricultural goods and Boeing aircraft, while others doubt major concessions from Beijing. China watchers note Beijing holds a strategic advantage, citing Trump's May concession on Taiwan arms sales. Chinese academics express cautious optimism, while polling shows global sentiment shifting favorably toward China, with the US facing strained ally relationships.