U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping displayed their obvious diplomatic skills. This moment came on the heels of an important meeting in Beijing in early November 2017. This image represented a powerful promise to open communication between the two rivaling world powers. As both countries continue to work through sticky trade relations, they focus on tackling other key economic dynamics and build goodwill with growing bilateral ties.
The U.S.-China relationship had entered a significant new phase after the November meeting in Beijing. Most importantly, it showed the need for candid, in-person dialogue among top leaders. The handshake between Trump and Xi occurred amidst ongoing negotiations concerning trade tariffs and economic policies that have impacted both countries.
Looking forward, the real showdown between Trump and Xi will take place again in South Korea. The third meeting in this series will hope to continue the very constructive conversations that took place in Beijing. The Chief Executive’s visit will seek to reinforce those strong links. Malaysia negotiators have made real progress by setting the stage for negotiation. Now, with those discussions in South Korea slated to begin in just a few weeks, the clock is ticking.
In Malaysia, U.S. and Chinese negotiators launched their first rounds of talks. They sought to address major concerns such as unfair trade practices and the protection of intellectual property rights. This advance work is absolutely key. That lays the groundwork for a far more fruitful conversation at this fall’s G-20 in South Korea. There is optimism on both sides that these preliminary discussions will lead to fruitful results and develop a foundation for deeper collaboration.
Adding to the intrigue, perhaps, is the backdrop of today’s complex, and at times tense, landscape of global trade and geopolitical considerations. Yet both countries are at an inflection point. In other words, their success will largely rest on their ability to communicate in the days and months to come. The handshake in Beijing serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and promoting mutual understanding.