Trump-Xi Summit Falls Short of Substantial Agreements

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping wrapped up their three-day Washington summit on September 25, with more pomp than substance. The two leaders focused on personal rapport rather than substantial agreements.

The biggest policy announcement was a modest extension of the trade truce by two months. Xi emphasized the importance of avoiding conflict and urged the US to adhere to the correct position of opposing Taiwan's independence.

Trump seemed to enjoy the red-carpet treatment for Xi, despite their recent tariff battle that threatened to send the global economy into recession. In contrast, Trump has been hostile towards Canada, imposing 50% tariffs on some Canadian imports and banning certain products.

The leaders also discussed the wars in Iran and Ukraine, as well as artificial intelligence. However, no breakthroughs were made on these thorny issues. Xi acknowledged that the US and China have a responsibility to develop and manage AI for good, while ensuring it remains under human control.