The Fox News Rundown Business Rundown: President Trump’s High-Stakes Trip To China
May 8, 2026
Michael Pillsbury, Senior Fellow for China Strategy and author with deep U.S.-China expertise, previews President Trump’s Beijing trip. He breaks down trade truce ideas, an investment white list, and board of trade proposals. They examine Taiwan as the central flashpoint and weigh semiconductor and AI supply chain risks. Talks also cover China-Iran ties, summit strategy, and potential diplomatic spoilers.
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Both Sides Prioritize Avoiding Confrontation
- Both the U.S. and China prioritize avoiding confrontation and seek a summit that signals dialogue and stability.
- Michael Pillsbury says both sides aim for positive signals rather than confrontational outcomes, reflecting a continuity since 2017.
Use A Board Of Trade To Manage Trade Tensions
- Create a U.S.-China Board of Trade to manage purchases and reciprocal sales rather than rehashing the 2020 deal.
- Pillsbury recommends focusing on a new committee and a white list for safe Chinese investment, not sensitive AI or defense tech.
China Uses Iran Talks To Gain Diplomatic Leverage
- China seeks leverage by positioning itself as a broker in Iran negotiations while protecting its energy interests.
- Pillsbury notes China is pressuring Iran toward diplomacy because Beijing needs Iranian oil and regional stability.
