Trump to Pursue Stability with China's Xi Jinping at May Summit; USTR Greer Confirms Diplomatic Channel Amid Tariff War

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed on April 7 that President Trump intends to pursue a stability framework with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a planned May summit, even as the US-China tariff war escalates. Greer described the planned meeting as a direct diplomatic channel to manage tensions, with the US side seeking to stabilize economic relations rather than pursue further escalation. The announcement came days after China's 34% retaliatory tariff on all US goods took effect and Trump imposed 145% cumulative tariffs on Chinese imports, triggering fears of a full trade decoupling. The planned Trump-Xi meeting represents the first direct presidential-level engagement between the two leaders since the tariff war escalated sharply in April 2026.