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Donald Trump eyes deal in Beijing as China gauges U.S. ‘decline’

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day summit with President Xi Jinping, focusing on the three Ts: trade, Taiwan, and technology. The visit comes amid Chinese perceptions of US decline, fueled by the Iran crisis and long-held views of diminishing American power. Trump seeks commitments on agricultural imports and critical minerals, while Xi aims for a reiteration of US commitments on Taiwan and easing of semiconductor export controls. Both sides also plan to discuss Artificial Intelligence as a potential area of cooperation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of stability regarding Taiwan, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for expanding cooperation and managing differences, highlighting Taiwan as the biggest risk. A Tsinghua University briefing paper warns of intensified structural competition but notes that domestic pressures limit full decoupling. The optics of hosting Trump are valuable for Xi to showcase China as a global power to a domestic audience. Observers in Beijing view the visit as evidence of US decline, with experts noting that America's ability to impose outcomes unilaterally is declining. The summit underscores the complex interplay of economic interdependence and strategic rivalry. While both sides share a desire for stability, fundamental differences on technology and supply chains persist. The Tsinghua paper advises China to strengthen relations with other major powers and focus on key technology innovation, concluding that China needs strategic resolve and long-term patience.