The Intelligence from The Economist Duo’s lingo: what to watch for in Trump-Xi summit
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May 13, 2026 A deep look at what the Trump-Xi meeting might realistically achieve and which stakes — trade, Taiwan and security — will shape US-China ties. A business segment on why Pepsi has slipped behind Coca-Cola and the strategies it is using to claw back market share. Cultural fallout at the Venice Biennale, with pavilion disputes, protests and artists finding unexpected stages.
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Summit Focus Will Be Stability Over Grand Deals
- US-China summit aims mainly to stabilise economic ties, not deliver a grand bargain.
- Expect purchase pledges (Boeings, beef, beans), a proposed board of trade, and managed trade to reduce the deficit.
China Wants Taiwan Language Linked To Economic Concessions
- China is pressing to fold Taiwan into trade talks by offering economic concessions for US language shifts.
- Beijing wants Trump to explicitly oppose Taiwanese independence and curb US arms sales to Taiwan.
Secondary Conflicts Reveal Limits Of Chinese Leverage
- Iran and Russia-Ukraine are secondary but test China’s influence.
- The US wants China to rein in Russia and press Iran to negotiate and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but China prefers to stay unentangled.