U.S.-China: A new superpower détente? | In Focus podcast

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met last week for a summit aimed at easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The meeting produced agreements on trade and rare earths, along with unusually warm public messaging from both sides. But major differences over Taiwan, technology and the broader strategic rivalry remain.The summit comes at a time when Mr. Trump’s approach to China appears increasingly transactional, even as Washington continues to compete with Beijing for influence across the Indo-Pacific. It also comes at a significant moment for India, with the U.S. President stepping up engagement with both China and Pakistan.So, what did Trump and Xi actually achieve at the summit? How should we read the U.S. approach to Taiwan? And What does the growing engagement between Washington and Beijing mean for India?Guest: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The HinduHost: Sharmada VenkatasubramanianEdited and produced by Sharmada VenkatasubramanianCamera: Shivaraj SListen to more In Focus podcasts: Published - October 02, 2026 04:49 pm IST