Trump's shift from China critic to Xi's host

President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state dinner on Thursday, marking a significant shift from his earlier campaign rhetoric that criticized China as an economic menace. Trump now speaks glowingly of Xi, calling him a "great gentleman" and praising their relationship. Trump's initial strategy of using high tariffs and export restrictions to confront China backfired, as China leveraged its monopoly on rare earths to force a trade armistice. Experts say Xi outmaneuvered Trump, who has also undermined traditional alliances that previously pressured China, while Western leaders increasingly visit Beijing. The state visit may lack concrete policy "deliverables," with the relationship itself being the primary outcome. Critics warn Trump's personal approach comes at a time when the U.S. needs to intensify competition with China across all dimensions, including AI development and manufacturing.