MNI INTERVIEW: Trump-Xi Meeting Likely Limited In Scope

This month's likely meeting in Beijing between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump is expected to be relatively constrained in both scope and duration rather than a breakthrough moment in U.S.-China relations, an American business leader in China told MNI.

Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, told MNI in written comments that major bilateral agreements typically require substantial preparatory work and multiple rounds of detailed negotiations, but there are no signs of that groundwork at this stage. 

Core issues in the U.S.-China economic relationship — including tariffs, export controls, industrial policy and national security-related restrictions — remain structural and highly complex, making resolution in a single meeting unrealistic, he added.

However, chamber members were hopeful the visit will provide greater stability and clearer direction, Hart said, adding that both sides will likely seek a more sustainable equilibrium in trade and investment ties, though the outcome remains uncertain. High-level engagement and face-to-face meetings between the two leaders were always positive, Hart added.

In the near term, the current tariff and export control framework will likely remain largely intact, with only incremental adjustments or signals of future movement possible after the meeting, he added.