The symbolism was unmistakable. In an unusual diplomatic gesture, Trump personally greeted Xi on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, and the Chinese leader subsequently received the full treatment at the White House, complete with an elaborate arrival ceremony and a lavish state dinner. The president himself was effusive, describing his meeting with Xi as one of “friendship, strength and success.”
Behind all the pageantry was a clear strategic objective. After nearly two years of a decidedly rocky relationship with Beijing, Washington is now seeking to stabilize—or at least contain—the strategic competition between the two countries.