Is a China-U.S. trade reset on the horizon?

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]Trade is expected to be a key part of the agenda when President Xiinping welcomes his US counterpart Donald Trump to Beijing. The meeting comes as the two powerhouses manage an economic relationship strained by issues that include tariffs, export controls, and regulating artificial intelligence. How important is it for this meeting to try and stabilize relations?

[00:00:21]>> This is extremely critical. uh this uh trade situation does not just involve the two countries United States and China uh who are directly involved but it also impacts uh markets and technology uh companies really around the globe.

[00:00:37]>> Randolph Wiggins is a tech expert with experience in China. He says while consensus around AI and guardrail surrounding it may prove thorny, trade wins for both sides in other areas are achievable. I think when it comes to the United States, uh we would like to see purchase agreements uh that are signed uh with China. Uh we'd also like to see uh China actually opening up uh their markets ideally uh to more United States products. I think that's why he's bringing these American uh CEOs uh with him as well.

[00:01:09]>> CEOs from Apple, Tesla, and Boeing are part of the official US delegation accompanying Trump to Beijing. Boeing reportedly hopes to ink a lucrative deal with China to buy hundreds of its aircraft. The White House also reportedly hoping Beijing will agree to buy more American agriculture products and energy. Wigan says relaxed export controls are also important to the US when it comes to rare earth mineral imports, but believes China also wants US concessions on advanced chips and AI, as well as more access to US markets for Chinese goods. Uh when it comes to China, they want to have the maximum amount of exports that they can have.

[00:01:46]That actually requires for the United States to be a good trade partner uh with them.

[00:01:51]>> Experts say what China seeks above all else from the talks is stability in trade relations. Economist Lawrence White agrees, adding he thinks China has a competitive edge.

[00:02:02]>> It is an issue of timing. In the United States, there is an important congressional election coming up. Mr. Trump is going to be looking for um achievements that he can show to the electorate.

[00:02:20]On the other hand, uh uh President Xi can take a longer view, can say, "Hey, you know, we we've been around for a while. We're going to be around for a lot longer. We can wait. We don't need immediate results." While sticking points tied to trade and geopolitics exist, entrepreneur Mahair Patel says it's beneficial for both sides and businesses globally if she and Trump can find areas of commonality when they meet.

[00:02:52]>> Peace brings prosperity. And so that's where everybody will prosper when it's all said and done if they come together and just figure out the the differences.

[00:02:59]And then honestly, in my opinion, they're not that far apart. Karina Mitchell, CGTN New York.