Trump eyes China deal, but dragging out talks risks backlash, warns former diplomat
Stephen Biegun says Trump seeks 'large' agricultural purchases, but prolonged negotiations could trigger backlash.
Former US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, who served from 2019 to 2021, has provided a critical insight into President Donald Trump's objectives for his upcoming high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, now rescheduled for May 14-15. Speaking at an event hosted by Australia's Lowy Institute, Biegun stated the president's primary goal is securing an "economic deal," specifically one that commits Beijing to "large" purchases of American agricultural and manufacturing goods. This frames the visit as a transactional negotiation centered on reducing the US trade deficit.
Biegun issued a stark warning to China regarding its negotiation strategy. He suggested the central dilemma for Beijing is whether to concede to Trump's demands for a substantial, immediate deal or to "portion it out over the next three years" to maintain leverage and ongoing engagement. However, Biegun cautioned that if China chooses the latter path and deliberately prolongs talks, it risks triggering a significant and more aggressive shift in Trump's China policy. The implication is that perceived stalling could backfire, leading the US administration to abandon negotiations for a much tougher, potentially confrontational stance on trade and other bilateral issues.
- Trump's summit with Xi Jinping is rescheduled for May 14-15, 2026, with a focus on an economic deal.
- Former diplomat Stephen Biegun warns China that dragging out talks risks a "much tougher" US policy turn.
- The US is expected to demand China commit to large-scale purchases of American agricultural and manufacturing goods.
Why It Matters
The strategy China chooses—immediate deal or prolonged talks—could define US-China trade relations and global economic stability for years.