Trump Looks Ahead to Summit With China’s Xi, but Tariffs and Taiwan Loom

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by Chris Buckley

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Trump expressed optimism about his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, describing it as a "grand display" of diplomacy. However, tensions over trade disputes, Taiwan, and technology issues could overshadow the meeting. This marks Trump's second visit to China since 2017, where he previously noted the impressive scale of ceremonial events hosted by Beijing. The summit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions. While Trump has expressed confidence in his relationship with Xi, analysts suggest the event will carry significant symbolic weight for both nations. For China, a grand reception could signal to global audiences that it has successfully navigated challenges posed by Trump's trade policies. However, concerns about Taiwan and ongoing trade disputes remain unresolved, potentially complicating the meeting's tone. China views such high-profile summits as opportunities to demonstrate its influence on the world stage. Julian Gewirtz, a former National Security Council official under President Biden, explained that Xi Jinping may aim to show that even the U.S., the world's most powerful country, has recognized the risks of confronting China. This dynamic highlights the delicate balance both leaders must strike between asserting their positions and maintaining diplomatic decorum. The summit also comes at a critical juncture in U.S.-China relations. Trade negotiations have seen little progress, and issues like intellectual property rights, market access, and technology transfers remain contentious. Meanwhile, Taiwan remains a flashpoint, with China viewing any U.S. support for the island as interference in its internal affairs. For readers interested in global politics, this summit represents a pivotal moment in U.S.-China relations. The outcome could shape the trajectory of trade negotiations, influence regional stability in Asia, and set precedents for future diplomatic interactions between the two superpowers.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026