Trump, Xi ice-breaking summit

North Korea, trade and tariff were among many issues on the table at the much heralded summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jingping. But Xi visit was overshadowed by US missile strikes on Syrian base in the wake of chemical weapons
attack by Assad regime that killed more than 80 civilians, including dozens of children. The US announced the missile attack shortly after Xi and his wife left the Mar-a-Lago estate, the venue for the meet selected to give the two days of discussions a more relaxed feel.
Given the variety of reasons that offer contrast between the two leaders, there was not much possibility for a breakthrough on issues like trade and tariffs. The 24-hour summit is mostly an introductory meeting for the two leaders. Also, there are still divisions within Trump administration over how to approach China. US policy towards China looks confused and contradictory. For years, the United States pushed a reluctant China embrace free trade. Contrary to that, this time, it was the US leader who is seen skeptic of free-trade deals. Trump abandoned the Trans-Pacific
Partnership, which has gravely damaged US credibility.
Chinese president is pulling out all the stops to achieve stability as he is facing a slowing economy and oversees a major leadership transition this fall. China needs the world trading system to remain open and
appears to be ready to pursue its strategic goals at regional and
international level.
On the other hand, Trump advisers are divided over how and to what extent the US should pursue trade complaints Trump raised on the
campaign trail. Both as a candidate and president, Trump blasted Chinese policies, accusing Beijing of currency manipulation. He called Beijing a ‘tremendous problem’ and arguing that lopsided trade deals with China hamper American businesses and workers. Trump is also critical of the yawning US trade deficit with China, which touched $347 billion in 2016. Two countries agreed to a 100-day plan to discuss trade. The best part of the meet was that China showed willingness for the first time to reduce their net trade balance.
Although no trade or investment deals announced, no agreement to contain North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, no plan to tackle tensions in the South China Sea, Trump said that meetings created ‘tremendous goodwill and friendship’ but that “only time will tell on trade.” Trump and Xi established a new and cabinet-level framework for future talks.
Trump pointed to the crisis in North Korea as a top priority in the
meetings with Xi. He has warned that if China fails to rein in North Korea, US would go alone to fix Pyongyang’s nuclear threat. Trump also suggested there was a link between ‘terrible’ trade agreements the US has made with China and Pyongyang’s provocations. China may soften its stance to accommodate Trump on trade and economic issues, but there is slim chance Beijing would give much concession to Washington on
regional security issues, including North Korea.