Xi rolls into Trump summit with China's trade engine roaring

Key Points:

• Since their last meeting four months ago, China's trade has surged globally under Xi Jinping, while Donald Trump faces declining approval ratings amid a costly war with Iran, affecting expectations for their upcoming summit in Washington.
• The September 24 meeting is expected to focus on extending a trade truce from last year, with Xi seeking to maintain the agreement to strengthen China, and Trump constrained by multiple foreign policy challenges.
• Preparatory talks led by US and Chinese officials have aimed at limited agreements on AI and non-sensitive trade products, marking a shift from Trump's earlier aggressive tariff stance against China.
• Xi is likely to press Trump on Taiwan, potentially seeking concessions on US arms sales and support, while Washington sees Xi as a potential influencer on Iran, though Beijing shows little interest in pressuring Tehran.
• Analysts suggest both leaders prefer stability in their relationship to focus on other priorities: Trump on Iran and Xi on domestic economic resilience amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.