Xi Jinping visits White House to discuss US-China trade truce

Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25, meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. While the summit did not result in major breakthroughs, it extended the trade truce known as the ‘Busan Agreement’ until January 2027, reducing the immediate risk of new tariff escalations.

Discussions between the two leaders covered various sensitive topics, including tariffs, Ukraine, Iran, and Taiwan. Analysts suggest the current period of stability allows both nations to manage bilateral tensions while pursuing domestic interests. For the United States, the pause provides time to develop independent supply chains for rare earth metals. For China, the diplomatic engagement occurs as President Xi prepares for the 21st National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in 2027.

In an effort to maintain stability, China has exchanged lists of goods, including agricultural products from the American Midwest, that could benefit from favorable tariff treatment.