Why were there no splashy deals at the Trump-Xi summit?
The Trump-Xi summit in Beijing on May 14-15, 2026, did not produce major agreements on trade, tariffs, Iran, or Taiwan, reflecting a relationship in a 'bargaining' phase. Experts offered mixed assessments, with some calling the outcome insignificant while others saw potential for stabilizing ties. The concept of a 'constructive and strategically stable relationship' emerged, signaling an effort to manage competition despite ongoing tensions.
- ▪The summit between President Trump and President Xi yielded no significant breakthroughs on major issues like trade, tariffs, Iran, or Taiwan.
- ▪Experts described the current U.S.-China relationship as being in a 'bargaining' stage, focused on setting boundaries and managing competition.
- ▪The term 'constructive and strategically stable relationship' was introduced, implying a recognition of parity and mutual capacity to harm each other's national interests.
- ▪China agreed to resume U.S. beef imports, purchase over $10 billion in agricultural goods, and buy more than 400 GE aerospace engines.
- ▪The issue of tariffs was not discussed during the summit, despite its prominence in prior U.S.-China trade relations.
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News analysisWhy were there no splashy deals at the Trump-Xi summit?Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxUS President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing from May 14-15.PHOTO: AFPBhagyashree GarekarPublished May 16, 2026, 02:30 PMUpdated May 16, 2026, 09:56 PMListenSummariseThe US-China relationship is in a "bargaining" stage, aiming for "constructive and strategically stable" ties, setting boundaries and managing competition.The recent Trump-Xi summit yielded "no big deals," with no significant breakthroughs on trade, tariffs, Iran, or Taiwan issues.Experts offered mixed views, with some seeing a "nothingburger" and others potential for stabilising relations and future cooperation, despite looming challenges.AI generatedPHILADELPHIA - The…
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