Trump and Xi Test and Need Each Other

Beneath the bonhomie of the Xi-Trump meeting are deals and competition

Sep 30, 2026

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By: Toh Han Shih

Xi Jinping was welcomed by Donald Trump at the White House in September 2026. Photo from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

There was much friendliness and mutual respect between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Xi’s recent visit to Washington. But beneath the bonhomie lie both ongoing rivalry and deals t…

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