With Trump’s airport reception, Xi sets the stage to trade symbolism for real concessions

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With his choice of the official to receive US President Donald Trump at the airport, Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday set the agenda for the summit: offering token symbolism in exchange for real concessions. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng received Trump at the airport. For a general Western audience, Han’s designation may carry weight as they may compare him with US Vice President JD Vance. But such a comparison would be misleading as Han holds a ceremonial post with no role in the state’s executive affairs. With this move, Xi has sent a twofold message: he has catered to…

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