What Xi Jinping’s letter to old friends in Iowa means in a struggling, altered America
When the presidents of the United States and China meet in Washington, the world will be watching to see whether their two countries can make good on their agreement to work towards “constructive strategic stability”. In the sixth part of a series, Khushboo Razdan looks at how a presidential appeal to America’s heartland is playing out. Of the countless preparations being made for Chinese…
In the midst of preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to the United States, a personal letter from Xi to friends in Iowa holds significant meaning. On February 16, Xi sent a Chinese New Year card to Luca Berrone and his circle, which included Sarah Lande, Gary Dvorchak, Rick Kimberley, and Terry Branstad. He also corresponded with students from the youth exchange initiative he announced in 2023.
Xi's letter reiterated China's commitment to "constructive strategic stability," emphasizing that the relationship's foundation lies in grassroots connections and the youth. Despite the strained relations, Xi expressed the hope that the peoples of the two countries would not change their stance.
Xi's personal ties with Iowa are seen as a way to soften the atmosphere ahead of his White House visit. Grant Kimberley, the son of a former Iowa governor, believes that Xi has a genuine appreciation for Iowa and its people. However, the agricultural partnership that once gave weight to this friendship is no longer as robust. Trade losses have severely impacted Iowa, with US agricultural exports to China plummeting from $24.5 billion in 2024 to $8.4 billion in 2025.
Soybean exports alone decreased from $12.6 billion to about $3 billion, pushing China from a top-five farm customer to sixth.
The personal letter may still hold significance, but the market conditions and trade policies remain challenging for American farmers. While Xi's goodwill is appreciated, farmers prioritize stable trade relationships and practical results. The real test will be whether markets remain open, customers remain engaged, and trade relationships remain reliable.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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