Trade tensions between the US and China are never far from the headlines, but what happens when two of its biggest players get together to discuss them? In a rare and highly anticipated meeting, President Xi Jinping of China and President Donald Trump of the United States engaged in some good old-fashioned give-and-take.
As the two leaders sat down for talks, it was clear that they didn't see eye-to-eye on most issues. But what's not always reported is just how personal these differences can get. The two men have a history of clashing on trade, and their latest meeting was no exception.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Trump wanted China to do more to open up its markets and increase its exports to the US. Xi, on the other hand, wanted Washington to back off its plans to impose tariffs on Chinese goods. The two men's differences were as clear-cut as they were frustrating for those trying to broker a deal.
But behind the scenes, the conversation was likely more nuanced. Trump is known for his bluntness and willingness to push hard for what he wants, while Xi is more calculated in his approach. It's possible that one or both of them may have given ground on certain issues, even if they didn't agree on everything.
What's clear is that these talks are far from over. While the two leaders managed to find some common ground – at least for now – the underlying tensions between Washington and Beijing remain as deep as ever. As one diplomat was overheard saying during the meeting: "We're not going to reach a deal today, but we'll keep talking." And that's exactly what these trade talks will continue to do.
As the two leaders sat down for talks, it was clear that they didn't see eye-to-eye on most issues. But what's not always reported is just how personal these differences can get. The two men have a history of clashing on trade, and their latest meeting was no exception.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Trump wanted China to do more to open up its markets and increase its exports to the US. Xi, on the other hand, wanted Washington to back off its plans to impose tariffs on Chinese goods. The two men's differences were as clear-cut as they were frustrating for those trying to broker a deal.
But behind the scenes, the conversation was likely more nuanced. Trump is known for his bluntness and willingness to push hard for what he wants, while Xi is more calculated in his approach. It's possible that one or both of them may have given ground on certain issues, even if they didn't agree on everything.
What's clear is that these talks are far from over. While the two leaders managed to find some common ground – at least for now – the underlying tensions between Washington and Beijing remain as deep as ever. As one diplomat was overheard saying during the meeting: "We're not going to reach a deal today, but we'll keep talking." And that's exactly what these trade talks will continue to do.