US President Donald Trump will visit China in April 2026, a period when US–China relations have entered a more unstable phase. The world’s two largest economies are at a crossroads at this particular time. Many think that Trump’s visit to Beijing may well be the last opportunity to prevent the relationship from collapsing. Yet we do not have confidence in their chances of success at this stage, unless there is greater pragmatism. The trip needs to address the core source of disagreements, set out rules and conventions for the competition between the US and China, and, first and foremost, reaffirm the possibility of managing bilateral relations. Otherwise, the Beijing visit of the US President can only amount to a symbolic ceremony, devoid of any meaningful impact.

Beijing has indicated a willingness to talk more. Chinese officials have urged the early resumption of dialogue channels. They reason that China is facing severe domestic economic challenges and wishes to see stability in US foreign policy. A presidential visit would allow China to show its stability in the international arena and to boost the image of China’s role in the global system. Both sides now acknowledge the dialogue freeze as a major problem.

Trade is also likely to feature heavily in the talks. The US administration wants greater access to Chinese markets for agricultural products and greater protection for US companies operating in China. China, on the other hand, wants restrictions on several key technology companies to be lifted, greater stability in trade relations, and assurance that the US will not accelerate an economic decoupling process that China believes it can currently afford. Both sides have insisted that their respective trade restrictions are necessary to protect national security, which is likely to make it harder to reach an agreement.

A free trade agreement in the full sense of the word is probably........

© Eurasia Review