Trump Shifts Tone on China as Xi Visit Approaches

September 20, 2026 - 05:10

When Donald Trump ran for office a decade ago, he called China a menace to the U.S. economy. He promised to get tough, and once in the White House he launched a trade war that rattled global markets. Tariffs went up, talks broke down, and the two countries spent years trading barbs instead of goods.

Now the picture looks different. As a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping takes shape, the same Trump who once warned about Beijing is preparing a warmer welcome. The shift has caught many observers off guard, but it fits a pattern. Trump has long treated diplomacy as a personal matter, and he has often softened his stance when a face to face meeting is on the table.

Analysts say several forces are at work. American farmers and manufacturers want relief from tariffs that hurt their bottom lines. Wall Street wants stability. And Trump, who prizes deals, may see a grand bargain with Xi as a legacy defining achievement.

Critics warn that a friendly reception could undercut years of pressure on human rights, trade practices, and military expansion. Supporters argue that engagement beats confrontation, especially when the two largest economies are involved.

For now, the red carpet is being rolled out. Whether it leads to a breakthrough or another round of friction remains to be seen.