Trump’s China Policy Has Weakened America

“U.S.-China summits can change the world,” the New York Times editorial board writes. But, as President Trump arrives in Beijing on Wednesday for a summit with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, he does so without the aura of strength that he typically cherishes.

The editorial board continues:

>His war in Iran has hurt the American economy, and he reportedly plans to lobby Mr. Xi to buy more American goods, in agriculture and other sectors. In exchange, Mr. Xi wants weaker American support for Taiwan and even more access to American semiconductors. Either of these exchanges would be a bad deal for the United States.

>Mr. Trump and his aides should recognize that Mr. Xi has his own problems, starting with wary Asian neighbors, a real-estate downturn, a disappointing job market and a demographic collapse. The safest outcome from the summit would be narrow agreements on shared interests, such as limits on A.I. to prevent the development of bioweapons. The two countries should also try to stabilize their relationship and ensure that bilateral military communications continue. A limited agreement along these lines would buy time for the United States to undo some of Mr. Trump’s damage and start rebuilding for the long competition ahead.

Read the full piece [here, for free](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/13/opinion/trump-arrives-china-xi-beijing.html?unlocked_article_code=1.iFA.ZYAD.8fYjCSOrCJUm&smid=re-nytopinion), even without a Times subscription.