Pomp and pageantry: For Chinese officials preparing for a Trump visit, every second counts

Key Points:

• Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s meetings with US President Donald Trump in Beijing are meticulously planned, with precise timing and choreography to present a polished image and ensure respect between the two leaders.
• Trump’s previous 2017 visit featured lavish ceremonies including a private Forbidden City tour, cultural performances, and military honors, showcasing China’s efforts to build trust and encourage US consideration of Chinese interests.
• Despite renewed tensions over trade and the Iran war, China has made diplomatic gestures ahead of Trump’s visit, such as sending giant pandas to the US and approving Hollywood films for Chinese cinemas to foster goodwill beyond politics.
• Beijing approaches the summit with a strategic playbook focused on economic self-reliance and managing foreign sanctions, aiming to demonstrate its ability to handle relations with Trump and prepare for future US leadership.
• Experts predict the current visit will be more business-focused and less ceremonial than in 2017, reflecting a decade of deepened US-China rivalry and the urgent need to address complex issues like trade and the Iran conflict.