Asia Society experts say modest economic gains leave deeper disputes unresolved, as Washington tests Beijing with a short extension
Quick Look
Asia Society Policy Institute analysts warned that the two-month extension of the US-China trade truce remains fragile despite a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping, with modest economic concessions failing to resolve deeper disputes, as both sides test each other's resolve.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US-China trade truce was extended for two months following a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping, which included plans for targeted tariff reductions.
Asia Society experts say modest economic gains leave deeper disputes unresolved, as Washington tests Beijing with a short extension
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Lucy Quagginin New York
Published: 9:30am, 30 Sep 2026
The two-month extension of the US-China trade truce remains fragile despite last week’s summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, with modest economic concessions leaving deeper disputes unresolved, Asia Society Policy Institute analysts said on Tuesday.
“In my view, this truce is very fragile,” said Wendy Cutler, an Asia Society Policy Institute vice-president and former acting deputy US trade representative. “I think they’re testing each other.”
Xi’s three-day state visit to Washington produced a further extension of the tariff ceasefire and plans for targeted tariff reductions, but Cutler said the economic results reflected little urgency.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The US-China trade truce will face further tests as both sides assess compliance with the extension
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific tariff reductions were agreed upon?
- How long will the current extension last before further negotiations?
- What are the deeper disputes that remain unresolved?
- What metrics will determine if the truce holds or collapses?
