Trump’s hard stance on China has softened. Will it work? | Fareed’s Take — Sunday 17 May 2026President Donald Trump took a notably softer tone during his recent visit to Beijing, showing unusual respect toward Chinese leader Xi Jinping instead of the fiery rhetoric that defined much of his trade war with China. CNN analyst Fareed Zakaria breaks down how this pragmatic shift played out at the summit and whether dialing back the pressure could deliver real results for American interests. The move has left many wondering if Trump's new approach will protect U.S. jobs and supply chains or simply hand Beijing more leverage. Former State Department official Jessica Chen Weiss and ex-Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger joined the discussion to unpack the Beijing meetings. They highlighted how Trump's respectful demeanor contrasted with Xi's formal stance and what it signals for ongoing tensions over technology, tariffs, and influence in the Indo-Pacific. For American manufacturers from the Midwest to the Southeast, these talks could shape everything from factory floors in Georgia to tech investments across the country. The shift also raises questions about how this plays with Trump's MAGA supporters who cheered his tough-on-China promises. Zakaria explores whether a more measured strategy can still deliver wins on trade imbalances without alienating the base that helped propel him back into office. As the video lays out, the real test lies in whether this softer stance produces concrete gains for U.S. workers or risks looking like a concession to a strategic rival.Watch the full video from CNN below.