Trump shifts tone on China ahead of Xi Jinping state dinner
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US President Donald Trump has adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a state dinner on Thursday, marking a shift from the tougher rhetoric on China that featured prominently during his first presidential campaign.
Trump, who previously accused China of damaging US manufacturing and the American middle class, has recently described Xi as “a great gentleman” with whom he has a “very good relationship”.
Trump has also played down several recent disputes involving Beijing.
Responding to reports that China provided Iran with satellite imagery, he said he believed Xi had “behaved reasonably well”. On allegations that China accessed US voter files in 2020, Trump indicated he was reluctant to retaliate.
The shift comes as Washington and Beijing compete for influence in manufacturing, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and other strategic industries. China has maintained a strong manufacturing position despite US tariffs and has expanded exports to global markets.
Last year, Trump’s administration imposed increasingly high tariffs and export restrictions on China, but Beijing’s control over rare earth supplies helped it gain leverage in subsequent trade negotiations, according to Michael Kovrig, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group.
Kovrig said Trump’s approach had also strained relationships with some traditional US allies, potentially creating opportunities for China to present itself as a more stable partner.
The US-China goods trade imbalance has declined compared with the same period in 2025, according to US Census Bureau figures. The administration has also said China may be routing goods through countries such as Vietnam to minimise the impact of tariffs.
Both countries are using their current trade truce to strengthen strategic capabilities. China is expanding its military and AI sectors, while the Trump administration is pursuing partnerships involving rare earths and pushing for accelerated AI development.
The policy outcomes of Thursday’s state visit remain unclear. Georgetown University professor Evan Medeiros said the relationship between Trump and Xi could itself become the main outcome of the visit rather than specific policy or trade commitments.