Trump, Xi Jinping Restart Talks Amid Escalating Tensions
President Trump finally held his long-sought call with Xi Jinping, and today top U.S. and Chinese officials are meeting in London to try and defuse rising tensions. The call followed weeks of threats, with Trump accusing China of violating trade agreements and escalating rhetoric online.
While Trump’s optimistic readout promised progress and future talks, China’s response was more cautious, noting unresolved issues but openness to continued dialogue. This comes after a turbulent period marked by Trump’s tariff escalation and aggressive export restrictions targeting Chinese tech firms like Huawei.
Despite a brief truce on May 12 that eased some tariffs and revived negotiations, a new Commerce Department order the next day threatened global tech supply chains, reigniting fears of economic warfare. Trump’s administration has since issued further restrictions and announced plans to revoke visas for Chinese students, signaling deeper confrontations ahead.
Still, Trump’s pattern of using pressure as leverage suggests the recent hardline moves might be part of a broader negotiating strategy. Whether this leads to a breakthrough or collapse in U.S.-China relations depends on whether Trump pivots from confrontation to dealmaking — and if China is still willing to engage.