Trump and Xi go big on the pomp but light on the substance

Published May 14, 2026 9:27am ET



The most remarkable aspect of President Donald Trump’s trip to China is just how unremarkable it’s proven to be.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hasn’t skimped on the pomp for his two-day bilateral summit with Trump, but, halfway through, the proceedings have hardly deviated from the official guidance and predictions laid out by policy experts.

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