President Xi Jinping of China welcomes President Donald Trump in Beijing on Thursday, May 14, 2026. A renewed trade fight would hit American consumers right before the election — a risk Trump can ill afford. China’s economy is struggling too, but Xi answers to no electorate, giving him the patience to prolong the détente on his terms. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times) By DAVID PIERSON When China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, and President Donald Trump meet in Washington this week, the two men…
