Trump typically views negotiations as opportunities to impose his will on his adversaries. That won’t work with China, however. If he wants something from Xi, he will have to give something of equal value in return.
Most of the media coverage prior to the summit focused on Trump’s wish list. The more important questions should actually revolve around the concessions the great man is willing to make to get what he wants.
Taiwan should not be on the table, but here are two proposals that I would actively support:
- Invite Xi to see his golden statue at Doral ASAP. The Chinese need to see how a cult of personality really works in practice.
- Leave Elon Musk in Beijing as a hostage.