China hopes to navigate diplomatic channels after Trump hints at a forthcoming Xi visit amid ongoing trade tensions.
**Trump's China Diplomacy: Uncertainty Looms Over Xi Meeting**

**Trump's China Diplomacy: Uncertainty Looms Over Xi Meeting**
Speculation grows around a potential summit as China seeks clarity on U.S. intentions.
President Trump sparked fresh speculation regarding a potential summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, mentioning the need to "clean up" Washington in preparation for their meeting. However, the White House has not provided any detailed plans, leading to confusion in Beijing.
Chinese experts have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue but are facing difficulties connecting with officials who can effectively convey their views to Trump. The ongoing trade war, characterized by 20 percent tariffs on Chinese imports imposed by Trump and possible additional tariffs on the horizon, amplifies the stakes for both nations, significantly impacting China's struggling economy.
To gain better insight and establish lines of communication, Chinese scholars participated in informal discussions with U.S. foreign policy experts last month. They voiced concern about the reliability of the diplomatic channels currently in place. According to Da Wei, director of Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy, there is uncertainty about whether these officials truly understand the nuances of Trump's thinking.
China has openly expressed its desire for negotiation. Recently, the Chinese commerce minister reached out to the U.S. commerce secretary and trade representative, inviting them to meet. Furthermore, Chinese officials advocated for dialogue regarding the nation’s efforts to limit fentanyl production. The desire for clarity and calm amidst the escalating trade tensions underlines the urgency for both nations to find common ground.