After a grueling period of diplomatic stalemate and escalating tariffs, the United States and China have finally sketched the outlines of a new trade agreement. The announcement of a tentative framework, set to be finalized at an upcoming Trump-Xi summit in South Korea, has momentarily halted a dangerous slide toward a full-blown economic conflict. On the surface, this is a cause for relief. But beneath the veneer of progress, a deep and warranted skepticism persists. Given President Donald Trump’s established playbook, this “deal” is less a peace treaty and more a tactical pause—one that is likely to be shattered by the next round of threats. The Key Developments: A Closer…