Trump, Xi prepare to meet amid Iran war, uncertain goals

Just over two weeks before President Donald Trump is due to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing, Chinese uncertainty over the US leader’s goals and the impact of the Iran war hangs over the highly anticipated state visit.

Trump’s trip, his first to China in his second term, is aimed at sealing a trade war truce the two leaders shook hands on when they met in South Korea in October.

But for Beijing, which likes to carefully choreograph such events to avoid any possibility of embarrassment, Trump’s free-wheeling style is proving a challenge.

A source familiar with negotiations told AFP that Chinese officials were expecting more ambitious preparations for such a summit between the leaders of the rival superpowers.

The White House insisted however that preparations were going well for the visit from March 31 to April 2, with regular contacts and interactions with Beijing.

“Unlike the autopen Biden administration that prized performance over outcomes, the Trump administration is very comfortable with trip planning, on both logistics and deliverables,” a White House official told AFP, referring to the accusation that former president Joe Biden used an automated device to sign documents.

“The president looks forward to his visit to China, where he and President Xi will discuss a range of topics of importance to the world’s two largest economies.”

Trump is “intent on leveling the playing field for American farmers, manufacturers, and working families,” the official added.

Business leaders, however, have been concerned that, as of earlier this week, invitations had not gone out to be part of the US delegation.

“It’s hard........

© Dawn Business