February 22, 2026 at 02:48AM
Xi Gains Upper Hand Before Trump Summit After US Tariff Reversal
Xi Jinping heads to talks with Donald Trump with stronger leverage after the United States loses the power to quickly raise tariffs for broad reasons. The shift comes as tariff authority constraints limit U.S. tariff-policy flexibility ahead of potential negotiations.
The development gives Beijing a bargaining boost, with Beijing expected to press for favorable terms on trade and technology access while Washington faces tighter constraints on punitive tariffs.
Experts say the dynamic could shape the groundwork for potential concessions or scaled-back tariff stances in upcoming discussions, even as both sides remain wary of escalation.