FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 23, 2026
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington to meet with President Donald Trump for a multi-day summit. Lyle Goldstein, director of the Asia Program at Defense Priorities, issued the following statement in response:
“President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on Thursday is a good thing, especially if it leads to a broader diplomatic engagement between the two superpowers.
“Personal diplomacy between the two leaders in their past meeting has helped stabilize the U.S.-China economic relationship and reduce military tensions, partly by broaching the sensitive issue of Taiwan. The main task ahead is to further the bilateral ‘constructive strategic stability’ that was agreed upon in Beijing back in May. That engagement should center on five points.
“These multi-day U.S.-China summits should be held annually.
“U.S. and Chinese leaders should move more ambitiously in the trade realm, embracing synergistic growth as a way to reduce tension.
“The U.S. and China should have continuous dialogue about sensitive global flashpoints, like Iran. President Trump should recognize that Beijing both wants the Strait of Hormuz open to trade and leverage its influence to help craft a diplomatic settlement.
“The countries should discuss ways to reduce tension over Taiwan, with a shift in U.S. military posture part of the discussion.
“The U.S. and China should explore whether progress on Taiwan could lead to agreements on strategic nuclear weapons.”
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