Presidents Obama and Xi met for an informal chat about some big issues at the Rancho Mirage in California.
Two of the world’s most powerful men, Barack Obama and Xi Jinping, convened in California’s lush Sunnylands estate for a series of high-level, low-key talks in June. The summit echoes with Richard Nixon’s visit with Chairman Mao over 30 years ago.
A stunning setting for a summit Image: Sunnylands |
The two Presidents covered a number of important topics, including curbing pollution, the appreciation of the RMB, Chinese buyouts in the US and other strategic issues faced by the US and China.
Despite the plethora of 'hot' topics up for discussion, the leaders of the world’s two largest economies strolled casually around the verdant estate, bequeathed to the American nationn by a publishing magnate in the 1970’s.
Both parties worked hard to cultivate a relaxed air of “shirt sleeves diplomacy”; ties were strictly off limits.
As well as enjoying the conversations, held around the hundreds of acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, Messrs Xi and Obama were also treated to lobster, porterhouse steak and a cherry pie served by a celebrity chef. President Obama described the outcome of the summit as “terrific”.
The positive repercussions of the summit don’t stop at diplomacy, as the talks may now lead to a boost in Chinese tourism to the summit venue. Following a surge in demand from holidaymakers, Chinese tour operators are already in talks with the Mirage ranch to begin travel projects as early as August this year.