Smiley greetings, garden walks and even a light-hearted look at the Chinese presidential car would have seemed impossible just a few months ago.
And while it doesn’t indicate any fundamental breakthrough, it is designed to show the world they are now, at least, making a concerted effort.
The fact is, both know a highly unstable relationship doesn’t serve them either economically or politically.
Xi in particular, who has had a tricky year domestically with a chaotic end to his zero COVID policy and a faltering economy, has an interest in showing his people he can manage this all-important relationship.
Pic: AP
He also badly needs foreign investment to return to his country.
Indeed, Chinese state media has notably refrained from its usual full-throated critiques this week and in a speech to business leaders Xi repeatedly referenced the friendship, sympathies and similarities the countries share, only briefly lingering on the usual warnings that the US should stay out of China’s affairs.
But while the agreements that were reached, on military to military talks and on the supply of fentanyl chemicals are significant, they were certainly the “easier” issues; the low-hanging fruit if you like.
Pic: AP
Read more world news:
Women and children rescued by police in Haiti
At least 26 killed and dozens injured in China fire
The bigger questions of Taiwan, the Ukraine War, the Middle East and economic sanctions remain intractable and there is still an enormous degree of distrust between them.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
