Danny Russel

“What we’re seeing isn’t diplomacy so much as ‘diplotainment,’ which won’t do much to solve the serious problems in the US-China relationship.”

Danny Russel · said 2026-09-24 · reported 2026-09-25

Russel criticized the summit as prioritizing ceremony over substance in addressing serious problems in the US-China relationship.

“Pageantry and protocol don’t add up to progress. Pandas are cute, but what America needs are rare earths,”

Danny Russel · said 2026-09-24 · reported 2026-09-25

Russel expressed concern that the two leaders spent more time on social and ceremonial events than on substantive issues during the summit.