Temple-driven diplomacy: how the Xi–Trump summit braided tradition with leverage

Beijing’s Xi–Trump visit used imperial symbolism (Temple of Heaven, Zhongnanhai walks) and everyday culture (food, basketball, travel stories) to frame U.S.–China ties as a balance of power and tradition. The symbolism linked political authority to agricultural harvests and national pride, offering domestic leverage (farm goods deals) while signaling Washington and Beijing’s willingness to manage tensions through cultural theater—yet such diplomacy cannot resolve core disputes over technology, Taiwan, or other flashpoints.