As Air Force One lifted off from Beijing’s tarmac, the grand spectacle of President Trump’s visit to China concluded. This diplomatic jaunt featured none other than the two most powerful figures on the global stage, President Trump and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping. In these extraordinary two days, the world watched as these leaders exchanged pleasantries and negotiated the future over lavish banquets and cultural showcases. It’s not every day you see a president treated like a pop star by the country famously dubbed the United States’ greatest geopolitical opponent.

One can’t help but admire the ceremony and hospitality, right? What a spectacle it was to see schoolchildren waving the hybrid flags of China and the United States, as President Trump savored every bit of this red-carpeted farewell. It’s difficult not to chuckle at the Hollywood-level theatrics, almost expecting paparazzi to pop out from behind gleaming pillars. Yet, amidst this grandeur lies the serious game of global politics, with agendas as delicate as the porcelain in the Forbidden City.

President Trump, ever the negotiator, returns with a basket of goodies, securing trade deals and retaining ‘stability for businesses.’ One might label this a ‘relationship maintenance’ trip, but let’s face it, he practically waltzed away with an extended truce on tariffs and made headway on the daunting trade deficit. On the monumental issue of Taiwan, Trump stood firm, showing that his poker face remains unyielding, much to the chagrin of onlookers who feared a sellout. Xi, possibly scratching his head, must now ponder how Trump managed to hopscotch across complex issues without giving ground.

Next on the President’s menu of global puzzles is Iran. Evidently, it’s still a thorny dilemma with sharp edges, but Trump’s administration appears unwavering. With a background chorus firmly in agreement—remarkably all singing from the same hymn sheet—the White House remains steadfast. Their belief in time being on the U.S.’s side is palpable, as they wait for the economy to squeeze Iran’s stance tighter. Iran might fancy its chances of wearing down the U.S. by playing the political pressure game, but betting on Trump to crumble, especially with elections on the horizon, can only be described as ambitious.

And yet, while the administration remains unfazed by Iran’s antics, Democrats back home nibble at economic critiques like mice caught in a cheese trap. Their lack of a coherent narrative post-election seems to leave them grasping at economic straws. Meanwhile, the Republicans, despite an uphill battle in Congress, lean on business stability as a card in their favor. As if we needed reminding, we’re in for some political theater worthy of a Fourth of July fireworks display.

So, as Air Force One ascends into the sky, this two-day chapter concludes—a journey of symbolic steps, firm stances, and a future painted in ambiguous statements. We’ll see how this intercontinental tango plays out when President Xi sashays onto American soil. Until then, let’s enjoy the show, popcorn in hand, from the comfort of our very own democratic land.