The U.S. and China's 'mutually assured disruption' and why China wants trade stability

WBUR | By Here & Now Newsroom

Published May 13, 2026 at 12:01 PM EDT

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This photo shows a gerenal view of China's and USA's flags during a meeting between US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and China's Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Guangdong Zhudao Guest House in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, on April 5, 2024. (Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images)

When Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping meet on Thursday in Beijing, trade, tariffs, and business deals will be a major focus. The leaders of the world’s two largest economies are likely looking for some stability after a rocky year.

Here & Now‘s Scott Tong looks ahead at the summit with Scott Kennedy, who is senior adviser and trustee chair in Chinese business and economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.