President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to China is expected to be overshadowed by tensions with Iran and ongoing trade disputes between the two nations.
Beijing's deep economic ties to Iran, as well as trade tensions over tariff threats, could crimp the good feelings when Trump flies to Beijing this week.
Despite the Republican president's effusive praise for Chinese leader Xi Jinping, expectations for what gets accomplished could be lower this time, said Jonathan Czin, a former director for China at the National Security Council.
The Chinese delegation will likely do its utmost to ensure that Trump leaves Beijing believing that he has just concluded the most extraordinary state visit of his two presidencies, said Ali Wyne, senior US-China research and advocacy adviser for the Crisis Group.
However, Xi has a much better understanding of Trump, and the administration's own national security strategy and national defence strategy recognise China as a near-peer, Wyne added.
Trump's visit to Beijing is expected to be a symbolically and substantively significant event, with the White House arguing that the president's previous firm hand with Beijing on tariffs means the US will remain in a strong position.
Trump plans to host Xi at the White House after his visit to Beijing, and the two leaders may meet again at the November Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Shenzhen, China.
