US President Trump’s state visit to China from May 13-15, though high on symbolism, signaled a reset in bilateral ties, with Beijing largely shaping the optics, agenda, and public communications. China presented the meeting as between equals but operated from an unspoken hierarchy, demonstrating an upper hand over a declining US.
Domestically, Trump’s low approval ratings and economic criticisms contrasted with Xi’s position of strength, enabling China to set visit terms. China’s narrative control was evident bilaterally, economically, and geopolitically. Xi invoked the “Thucydides Trap,” proposing “constructive strategic stability” to manage competition. Economically, China confirmed only a small portion of US-announced deals, such as 200 Boeing aircraft and $17 billion in agriculture goods. Geopolitically, Russia’s President Putin arrived in Beijing soon after Trump, followed by new agreements, signaling China’s capacity for equal relations with both. Beijing also hardened its stance on Taiwan as a red line, leaving the US unable to separate its Taiwan policy from its China policy. This visit exposed limits of US foreign policy and highlighted China’s growing ability to pressure other countries.
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