During a recent visit to Beijing, Donald Trump's tone towards Chinese President Xi Jinping softened considerably, a stark contrast from his 2016 campaign rhetoric. Once calling China an economic antagonist, Trump now refers to Xi as a friend, hailing 'fantastic trade deals.'
Details of these deals remain modest: Nvidia received approval to sell semiconductors to 10 Chinese firms, Boeing secured a 200-aircraft order, and Citi got the green light for a securities business in China.
However, hardline positions persist. The State Department sanctioned three Chinese firms for aiding Iran against U.S. forces. Outstanding issues include Taiwan, where Trump made no commitment on a $14 billion arms sale. Xi's read-out emphasized Taiwan as a potential source of conflict, a point absent from the White House read-out.
MAGA allies, including former strategist Steve Bannon, expressed shock at Xi's perceived threat but remained largely silent. Experts suggest Trump's softened tone reflects a top-down approach, with the base expected to follow.