Trump's warm treatment of China's leader is drawing anger from parts of his own party, but it points to a calmer US-China relationship heading into the midterms.

• Trump publicly flattered Xi Jinping, calling him strong and fit, and rolled out a literal red carpet at Joint Base Andrews.
• The goal is reportedly to keep relations steady through November's midterm elections, not to win concessions.
• Republicans including Senator Kennedy and Laura Loomer are angry, pointing to China's continued support for Iran.
• Both leaders agreed to leave AI development unregulated, framing it as a race the US cannot afford to lose.
• China still controls rare earth refining and Taiwan still makes the world's chips, which limits how tough Washington can get.

Outlook: Expect more friendly optics and no real movement on Iran, Taiwan, or AI rules.