world-economy

Trump-Xi Summit Begins With Taiwan Tensions as Trade War Shifts Balance

President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping opened summit talks in Beijing with no substantive agreements reached on the first day. The U.S. delegation stressed hopes for improved trade relations, while Chinese officials warned that mishandling the Taiwan question could create an "extremely dangerous situation" between the superpowers. Security analysts note Trump's aggressive tariff strategy against Chinese goods in 2025 ultimately benefited Beijing in their geopolitical competition. The tariff campaign, initially framed as negotiating leverage, instead clarified China's standing as a peer rival capable of withstanding American pressure. Unresolved trade frictions and strategic competition over Taiwan remain central obstacles to normalizing bilateral ties. The summit's next phase will show whether either side moves toward compromise on outstanding disputes.