MAP Partner Sarah Beran on What to Expect from a Trump-Xi Meeting
More info
"Without diplomacy, rapid deterioration is much more likely. The question is, how do you use diplomacy to really ensure that the landing spot is as stable as possible and that both sides find a way to keep living together but protect their national security interests?"
MAP Partner Sarah Beran spoke with The Wire China on what to expect from a now postponed meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping.
In both top down, leader-driven systems right now, leader‑level engagement remains the most important driver of progress, sending a demand signal across ministries and creating a “halo effect” that can free up regulatory and licensing approvals, encourage greater flows of both tourism and corporate travel, and at least momentarily lessen geopolitical risk.
Still, expectations for a summit‑driven breakthrough should remain modest. Progress depends not just on optics but also preparatory channels, negotiating sessions, and bureaucratic follow-up after the leaders fly back to their capitals.
For global corporates, strategic planning should account not only for US‑China tensions, but also opportunities that result from leader‑level diplomacy that can shape implementation across the broader bureaucracy - with implications for regulatory treatment, cross‑border investment and operating conditions.
You can read the full article here: https://www.thewirechina.com/2026/03/22/sarah-beran-on-what-to-expect-from-a-trump-xi-meeting/
