‘Deep respect’: analysts weigh in on Trump’s red carpet welcome for Xi

Elaborate greeting ceremony immediately preceded by extension of tariff truce, both positive early signs for Chinese leader’s trip

With China and the US agreeing to extend a tariff truce that was set to expire in November – and US President Donald Trump giving his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, a personal welcome on the tarmac – analysts say the Chinese leader’s state visit has begun on a positive note.

The extension will run for two months through January 10, a sign the world’s two largest economies are willing to negotiate broader agreements and build positive momentum despite an increasingly heightened rivalry spanning a range of issues.

“While the two-month trade truce extension is shorter than observers originally expected, any extension is a positive sign that both sides can effectively manage their differences,” said John Gong, a professor of economics at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.