President Xi Jinping's visit to the US: Will there be a breakthrough in the trade agreement?

According to AFP, President Xi Jinping's trip aims to ease tensions between the two superpowers on a number of key issues such as artificial intelligence, trade, and the Iran dossier.

Special welcome at the military airport.

Observers have assessed this summit as being more of a formality than a substantive one. Nevertheless, an early breakthrough emerged just before the meeting. Washington announced a two-month extension to the trade truce agreement with Beijing, which was originally scheduled to expire in November.

After officials rolled out the red carpet, President Trump and First Lady Melania greeted President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, directly. They shook hands as soon as the Chinese President disembarked from his plane at Andrews Air Force Base, a U.S. military airfield located on the outskirts of Washington, D.C.

Dressed in a long coat and gloves, Trump stood side-by-side with Xi on the runway. The military band began playing the national anthems of both countries. This was accompanied by the roar of two B-1 bombers as they glided overhead.

A challenging agenda

President Trump seemed unfazed by the previous difference in diplomatic protocol. President Xi Jinping had not personally greeted him at the airport in Beijing in May. Following the welcoming ceremony, Trump told reporters at the White House that it had been a great meeting and that the Chinese side appreciated the warm reception.

This is the third visit between the two leaders since the US President returned to power. The lavish schedule includes an official welcoming ceremony and another air show. The two sides will hold talks in the Oval Office and attend a state dinner at the White House on September 24th. The visit will conclude on the morning of September 25th (Washington time).

Expectations for a breakthrough and a trade truce.

Expectations for major breakthroughs are currently very low. Analysts suggest that the primary purpose of these grandiose ceremonies is to maintain a fragile peace. The rivalry between the two countries remains fraught with risks.

President Trump confirmed that the Iran conflict would be on the agenda. Previously, he had dismissed reports that Beijing was providing intelligence to Tehran as the conflict dragged on. Responding to reporters about raising the Iran issue, Trump asserted that everything was progressing very well.

Regarding the simmering trade war sparked by Trump's broad-based tariffs last year, a positive sign has emerged. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new decision following tense pre-summit negotiations. The trade truce has been officially extended. This economic truce will last beyond the November 10th deadline until January 10th, 2027.