Stories
Trump, Xi, and the Dangerous Transition to a Multipolar World
- •The world is transitioning from a unipolar to a multipolar order, creating dangerous unpredictability.
- •Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the US aims to establish stability between the two most powerful states.
- •The US and China seek a "constructive relationship of strategic stability" to manage their rivalry without uncontrolled confrontation.
- •Beyond trade, competition extends to technology, AI, semiconductors, and supply chains, requiring new risk management mechanisms.
- •Managing the US-China relationship is crucial for global stability, even if a grand bargain is unlikely.
Key Questions Answered
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in the US on September 23 for a three-day state visit, marking his second meeting with President Donald Trump in six months. The meeting focuses on establishing sufficient strategic stability and predictability in US-China relations amidst a disorderly, transitioning multipolar global order.
The immediate transactional US-China trade truce expires on November 10. Negotiators have been trying to prevent another round of tariff escalation while resolving disputes involving agricultural purchases like soybeans, market access, and critical minerals.
American and Chinese officials have agreed to continue discussions on AI safety and emergency communication, which includes creating mechanisms for reporting serious AI-related incidents. These steps aim to enhance stability and manage strategic risks in the face of near-future technological volatility.
