Trump, Xi meeting closer to truce than durable peace as China walks away looking stronger
China agrees to major US soybean purchases, approves TikTok transfer, but gains ground in fundamental areas such as rare-earth leverage
Even as Trump gained headlines and short-term “wins” involving soy purchases and fentanyl ingredients, analysts said Xi gained ground in some more fundamental areas – including recognition of its rare-earth leverage and some breathing room to pursue tech supremacy – that could significantly improve China’s competitive position further out.
Trump said on Thursday on Air Force One, with his usual hyperbole, that the two leaders had “agreed to almost everything” and described the summit as “amazing”.
‘We have a deal’: Trump claims breakthrough after ‘12 out of 10’ talks with Xi Jinping
Analysts cautioned, however, that deeply entrenched problems in the relationship and Trump’s mercurial negotiating style could see the easing of trade tensions reversed in short order.