Between military bands, schoolchildren waving flags and a lavish state banquet hosted by China’s President Xi Jinping, Trump spent about two hours behind closed doors pushing trade deals, talking tariffs, fentanyl, and Iran.

According to reports, Trump and Xi also discussed expanding market access for American businesses while also talking about keeping the Strait of Hormuz open instead of letting Iran turn one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes into a geopolitical toll road.

At the same time, Xi reportedly made it abundantly clear that Taiwan remains Beijing’s brightest red line, warning that mishandling the issue could lead to “clashes and even conflict” between the two countries.

Trump also appeared focused on the optics. “Great place. Incredible. China’s beautiful,” he told reporters while touring Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and soaking in the kind of over-the-top ceremony most world leaders only dream about.

Behind all the polished pageantry, the Trump-Xi summit reportedly had all the backstage chaos of a Black Friday sale at Walmart. Secret Service agents and U.S. media were shoved around and one White House aide was allegedly knocked down and “trampled” on during the chaos.

At one point, Chinese officials reportedly blocked an armed Secret Service agent from entering a site with Trump, triggering a tense standoff and long delay.

In the end, China reportedly agreed to large future purchases of American goods, including Boeing aircraft, agricultural products, oil and other exports – and both sides emphasized creating a more constructive and “stable” U.S.-China relationship after years of tariff fights and rising tensions. Chinese state media portrayed the summit as proof China now stands on equal footing with the United States globally. Trump repeatedly praised his personal relationship with Xi and called the meetings productive, while critics argued the visit produced more symbolism than substance.

Whether the trip ultimately delivers real wins for America – or just another round of diplomatic theater wrapped in red-carpet pageantry – is something only time will tell.