Trump's Nvidia scandal and midterm losses shape Xi meeting stakes
President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Shenzhen on Nov 18-19, amid a fragile trade truce expiring Jan 10 and unresolved disputes over tariffs and technology. The Nvidia scandal involving CEO Jensen Huang and a suspected Chinese spy, plus Democratic midterm gains, have raised questions about Trump's negotiating leverage. Analysts are split on whether his political troubles weaken his hand or leave his foreign policy authority intact. Beijing views Trump as pragmatic and transactional, preferring him to Democratic presidents. However, Congress's new balance of power could constrain his China policy. Both leaders are expected to focus on trade implementation, Taiwan, and chip export restrictions during their meeting.