The first test for a much-celebrated US–China trade truce is looming.

In their unilateral statements, Washington has been unusually specific, insisting that rare earth “general licences” are imminent and touting large figures for future soybean purchases. Beijing, by contrast, has stayed far more restrained, offering only broad and carefully worded statements. In private, Chinese officials have been hesitant to talk about specific details in the US announcements.

Experts say the gap between Washington and Beijing reflects deep differences in how each side interprets and presents summit discussions.

While the US left eager to show progress on contentious issues, China has remained cautious, reluctant to confirm commitments publicly. Analysts note that the lack of formal documentation and the US delegation’s limited attendance and apparent absence of detailed note-taking has only magnified the divergence, making a concrete deal before Thursday especially challenging.