Takeaways from Trump-Xi summit: Lots of pomp and even more punting on tensions in US-China relations

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping concluded a three-day summit in Washington with much fanfare but minimal progress on pressing global issues. The U.S. president emphasized the personal rapport he has developed with Xi, while the Chinese leader stressed the need to avoid conflict or confrontation. They discussed the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, artificial intelligence, and Taiwan.

The summit's most significant policy announcement was extending a trade truce between the two nations for two additional months, which was set to expire in November. This friendly gesture from Trump, who had previously engaged in a tariff war with China, contrasts sharply with his hostility towards Canada, America's largest export market, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Trump's deference towards Xi, however, has been met with criticism. Former U.S. trade official Jeff Moon suggested that Trump acts like a bully towards smaller nations but stops when he can't. The leaders faced calls to collaborate on AI regulations, but Trump seems more interested in promoting "super intelligence." They also addressed the Iran war, with China urging Washington and Tehran to resume talks and an interim deal.

Xi reportedly expressed hope that the U.S. would oppose Taiwan's independence, a stance China supports. The Chinese government's use of the word "adhere" implies that Beijing may be subtly influencing Trump's perspective on Taiwan. Critics argue that Trump's policies on Taiwan have already been somewhat compromised, and Xi challenged Trump's zero-sum view of global competition.