Trump is hoping Xi will put heavy pressure on North Korea to curb its nuclear weapons and missile programs. However, many aides and former officials are now questioning his approach. This comes as the U.S. Justice Department accused a Chinese company of helping North Korea evade financial sanctions. China-US Focus contributor, Howard Stoffer, recently commented that, "The U.S. and China must take a leading role in holding continuing consultations with regional leaders – South Korea, Japan, and the Russian Federation – to address the threat."

Following the recent successful trade deals between the U.S. and China, Nebraska is sending its first shipment of beef to China under an agreement that allowed the U.S. to resume exports after a 14-year hiatus. China's state television CCTV interviewed Chinese shoppers (link in Chinese), trade experts and beef producers. Consumers seem to be delighted with more choices of beef in grocery stores, but still question the price competitiveness of U.S. beef. In addition, the CCTV interviews raised the prospect (link in Chinese) of smaller Chinese cattle farmers going out of business due to the lifting of the U.S. beef embargo.

On June 10, 1971, President Nixon opened another door to the resumption of normal relations with China by unveiling an order that permitted trade with China, effectively lifting a 21-year-old embargo. The relaxation of trade restrictions allowed U.S. exporters the freedom to sell to China agricultural, industrial and office equipment, most farm, fish and forestry products, fertilizers, coals, and select chemicals. Locomotives and large scale transportation equipment remained prohibited. The order came after a year's worth of Nixon administration efforts to reestablish negotiating channels with Mainland China. At the time the embargo ending order was issued, Nixon had been in contact with Chinese Premier Chou En-Lai with both sides aiming to plan a visit for Henry Kissinger, to visit China. There had not been a final confirmation from China this visit would take place and it is believed the trade order was perhaps a public play by the White House to urge a positive Chinese response.