Xi-Trump Summit Signals Pragmatic Shift in US-China Ties

George Friedman argues that the Xi–Trump summit produced more in-principle alignment than concrete deals: Xi framed a move away from Maoist ideology toward a cooperative, win-win relationship with the U.S., while reaffirming Taiwan as a core issue; Trump appeared willing to entertain compromises that could tie Taiwan’s status to economic ties. Both sides stressed ending major conflicts (Ukraine, Iran) and re-opening trade routes, signaling that the U.S.–China relationship will be managed through cooperation and mutual interests rather than open hostility, despite ongoing disagreements.