US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing was not only a display of diplomatic niceties but also a strategic opportunity for Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The encounter allowed Xi to frame China as an equal partner to the United States, a narrative that Beijing has long sought to establish. The visual of the two leaders engaging on equal footing, despite past criticisms and trade tensions, reinforces Xi's message that China is a peer power in global affairs. Furthermore, the timing of the visit is significant as it positions China as a stabilizing force in a turbulent geopolitical landscape, particularly with ongoing tensions in West Asia. Additionally, the presence of prominent US business leaders, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook, during the visit highlights the deep economic ties between American corporations and the Chinese market. This reinforces the notion that, despite political friction, access to Chinese consumers and supply chains is crucial for US corporate success.