Trump and Xi hold long-awaited trade call
CNNMAY 21
Trump, Xi Hold 90-Minute Call 'Entirely on Trade'
Above: Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Nov. 9, 2017. Image copyright: Qilai Shen/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
This call shows Trump's dealmaking prowess in action. The president successfully addressed the rare earth minerals crisis that threatened American manufacturing and defense industries. His direct approach with Xi broke through bureaucratic gridlock and got both sides back to productive negotiations.
Pro-China narrative
China maintains the moral high ground here, consistently implementing the Geneva Agreement while facing American provocations. Beijing's patient diplomacy and Xi's emphasis on mutual respect contrast sharply with Washington's erratic policy reversals and threats.