The meetings in Beijing between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have been called the ‘stalemate summit’. The US president’s whirlwind trip to Beijing – the first US presidential visit in nearly a decade – wrapped up with much fanfare but little clarity about what was actually achieved.
What Was Achieved?
Trump said on Friday he and Xi “settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to solve”. But he didn’t provide much detail on what those solutions were. “My guess is that despite all the ceremony and summit theatrics, that at the end of the day, this summit will not be that significant,” said Amanda Hsiao, the China director at the Eurasia Group. “The core of the relationship hasn’t changed.”
Iran
The crisis in the Middle East loomed large over the talks. Trump said they discussed Iran and felt similarly about wanting the conflict to end and preventing nuclear weapons. However, China gave no specifics on further support. The foreign ministry stated: “This conflict, which should never have happened, has no reason to continue.” Trump said he was considering lifting sanctions on Chinese companies buying Iranian oil.
Taiwan
Trump told Fox News he was still considering a major arms package for Taiwan, worth $14bn. Observers expected little movement, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted there had been no policy shift. Trump said he made no commitment to Xi, while Xi warned Taiwan was the “most important” issue.
Trade
Trump claimed “fantastic trade deals” but details were sparse. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer expected China to buy “double-digit billions” of US farm goods over three years, though China hasn’t confirmed. China agreed to buy 200 Boeing jets, with Trump suggesting the number could rise to 750. No comprehensive trade deal was reached.
Rare Earths
China restricted rare earth exports last year, crippling supply chains. Although China agreed to restore flows in October, Greer said export licenses were still being approved slowly. No agreement was reached during the summit.
Human Rights
Trump said Xi was considering releasing detained pastors, but the case of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was “tough”. Lai’s daughter expressed confidence that Trump would free her father.
