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Within American politics, this summit underscores a divide among Republicans regarding China. Trump has reshaped the party with protectionist, pro-tariff policies, emphasizing economic nationalism. Many traditional Republicans, especially those aligned with Reagan-era free trade ideals, tend to favor open markets and are more cautious about tariffs.
Seung Min Kim from the Associated Press noted that while GOP lawmakers privately support a tougher stance on China, publicly they often toe the party line, avoiding overt criticism of Trump’s protectionist policies. The upcoming summit could influence future policy directions and political narratives, especially as public opinion and economic concerns about China evolve.