Xi-Trump summit ‘beats expectations’ but North Korea still a big divide
Presidents’ meeting has reversed potential collision path with Washington and strengthened Xi Jinping’s power at home and abroad, analysts say
The leaders of China and the United States wrapped up their much-anticipated summit with both saying the talks put Sino-US ties on a good track – despite the bumpy diplomatic ride since US President Donald Trump’s election.
The meeting on Friday yielded a bold commitment to address trade disputes and elevate their discussions, but a chasm remains over North Korea.
The outcomes are symbolic but better than anticipated – Trump dropped his anti-China rhetoric, enabling President Xi Jinping to project himself as a capable manager of complex Sino-US ties.
US officials said the two countries would develop a 100-day programme to tackle trade conflicts, particularly trade imbalances. And a new consultation mechanism headed by the two leaders would be set up to reduce mistrust on a range of issues.