In an enormous diplomatic double-down, U.S. President Donald Trump will soon meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping a second time. This comes after their first HSR handshake in Beijing way back in November 2017. The next of these meetings will be hosted by South Korea. This event will deepen their recently launched track 1.5 dialogue to address critical bilateral challenges.
President Trump and Xi Jinping meet for the first time in Beijing. Over the course of this meeting, the two leaders discussed key matters that have long stirred tensions between the United States and China. Their handshake symbolized a commitment to engage in dialogue, a gesture that many observers viewed as a hopeful sign for future cooperation. Since that historic summit, both leaders have repeated the importance of direct dialogue. This is more important than ever as new tensions flare on economic and national security fronts.
Following this inspiring first meeting, negotiators from each country convened again in Malaysia. They all collaborated to get ready for the following global leaders’ summit which was to take place in South Korea. In the case of Malaysia, national leaders quickly went to work to identify areas of mutual interest. Perceived trouble spots were addressed, paving the way for face-to-face confrontation between Trump and Xi.
Our next meeting, to be held in South Korea, will explore further into these themes. Further mutual understanding and cooperation between both leaders is an intention of their common efforts. Our analysts have been forecasting that improving trade relations would be at the top of their agenda. This is more critical than ever, given the robust economic ties that bind the two countries together.
From preparation for the day and the meeting itself, market analysts are watching closely to see what transpires from the Fed. They want to find something actionable and positive enough to calm the waters on trade. Both leaders are under tremendous pressure to show real progress, not just for the eyes of the international community, but for their own people as well.