The Xi-Trump summit is over. What comes next in the US-China rivalry?

The recent conclusion of US President Donald Trump's state visit to Beijing marked a departure from tradition, as the final day featured intimate discussions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping rather than a deal-signing ceremony. The two leaders met in the secluded Zhongnanhai compound, a setting unusual for diplomatic events. Both leaders assured each other that they would continue to meet this year. This summit's conclusion, characterized by private conversations and future meeting commitments, signals a shift in the US-China diplomatic approach.

President Xi Jinping hosted U.S. President Donald Trump for talks at Zhongnanhai, the secluded heart of Chinese power, on Friday morning. This rare glimpse inside the heavily guarded compound, which serves as Xi's official residence and the headquarters of China's top leadership, occurred during the final hours of Trump's two-day state visit to Beijing. Zhongnanhai, formerly an imperial garden, houses the offices of the ruling Communist Party and the State Council. The meeting involved tea and a working lunch, marking a significant moment of access to this normally inaccessible political sanctuary.

During President Trump's visit to Beijing, he stated that the US and China share similar views on resolving the situation with Iran, emphasizing a desire for Iran to cease nuclear weapon development and ensure open shipping lanes. While Trump claimed a shared sentiment, no specific breakthroughs were announced. The US has reportedly sought China's leverage as Iran's largest oil buyer to influence its actions, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz. China, which relies heavily on the waterway for its oil imports, has called for a ceasefire and the opening of the strait, though some in Beijing view the crisis as not solely China's responsibility. The US has also expressed differing views on whether they are seeking China's direct assistance.