Xi and Trump reset ties with panda diplomacy and trade truce

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Washington for the first time since 2015, seeking stability in relations with the United States. He received a ceremonial welcome from President Trump, including the announcement of two pandas for Atlanta Zoo, signaling mutual recognition of their countries' equal status. The visit aimed to ease US economic pressure on China. Xi called for avoiding conflict and fair treatment for Chinese firms, following years of US measures from Obama's Pivot to Asia to Trump's trade war and Biden's democracy-versus-autocracy framing. China has weathered pressure better than expected, though exporters absorbed costs. A trade truce extension to January 10, 2027, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, provides predictability. Negotiations cover agricultural and aircraft purchases, while China seeks time to reduce chip dependence and manage domestic economic challenges amid weak internal demand.