Temporary Truce Between Xi and Trump: The Long Game at Play

Fri Oct 31 2025 05:08:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In an encounter where optimism meets strategic realism, President Trump and President Xi reach a tentative agreement amidst underlying tensions in US-China relations.

Following a meeting that ended with President Trump praising it as a 'great success,' both leaders' contrasting responses reveal the ongoing complexities in US-China relations. While Trump seeks swift deals and economic cooperation, China appears to be positioning itself for a protracted negotiation, aware of its leverage in key areas such as rare earths. Analysts suggest that, despite this temporary easing, substantial differences remain, pointing towards a challenging path ahead for both superpowers.

US President Donald Trump came away from his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping full of bombastic optimism. He called it a 'great success' and rated it 12, on a scale of 1 to 10. China was less enthusiastic, with an initial statement from Beijing resembling an instruction manual, as Xi urged teams on both sides to 'follow up as soon as possible.'

Trump is after a deal that could happen 'pretty soon,' while Beijing appears intent on keeping the dialogue ongoing as it plays a longer game. A more detailed second statement from China echoed Trump's remarks, indicating a willingness to negotiate.

Key points of the discussion included a proposed reduction of US tariffs on Chinese imports and a suspension of China's export controls on rare earth elements—critical for various technologies and military applications. While there is no finalized agreement yet, this breakthrough stabilizes the relationship between the world's two largest economies and calms global markets.

However, this is a temporary truce that doesn't address the core differences in their competitive relationship. 'The US and China are going in different directions,' warned Kelly Ann Shaw, a former economic adviser to Trump, emphasizing that this situation might not improve significantly anytime soon.

As negotiations unfold, the power dynamics highlight the contrasting approaches: Trump, facing electoral pressures, and Xi, whose regime is insulated from immediate public opinion factors.

Despite various challenges, China is demonstrating resilience and a willingness to withstand the pressures of Trump's tariffs, keeping its long-term strategy in view. Analysts point out that while the recent meeting may have provided short-term stability, the underlying tensions and the struggle for dominance will continue to characterize US-China relations.

In summary, while both leaders illustrate a moment of cooperation, the reality on the ground remains complicated and fraught with potential for future upheaval. The rivalry is expected to persist, and the quest for a lasting solution continues.