US-China ties face test as Trump and Xi meet in Washington

President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet in Washington this week for a state visit, testing whether recent US-China stabilization can endure despite deep-seated strategic rivalry. The summit follows their May meeting in Beijing and comes amid ongoing disputes over trade, technology, and security. Analysts describe the current relationship as "real but shallow stabilization," driven by mutual economic vulnerability rather than strategic convergence. Working-level channels have expanded, including an eight-hour trade meeting Sunday between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, covering trade, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. Trump has notably softened his posture toward Xi, calling him a "great leader" and "very smart," contrasting with public clashes with allies like Italy and South Korea. Key agenda items include extending the trade truce expiring Nov 10, rare earth exports, AI safety mechanisms, and the Iran war's impact on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Taiwan remains a sensitive flashpoint, with Beijing pressing concerns over US arms sales. The two leaders could meet up to four times this year, including at APEC in Shenzhen and G20 in Miami.