In a bid to mend fences faster than you can say 'trade war,' President-elect Trump has his sights set on a China trip within his first 100 days, hoping for a selfie with Xi Jinping and some serious diplomacy.

Trump's ambitious plan to hop on a plane to China soon after taking office not only signals a desire to smooth over rocky trade relations but also aims to charm Xi Jinping into a selfie-worthy partnership—where they can trade memes about tariffs and TikTok, and perhaps negotiate over who can build the tallest wall out of trade barriers.

The idea of a Trump-Xi meeting commenced after a previous discussion wherein Trump expressed a significant reluctance to miss the opportunity of 'getting cozy' with his Chinese counterpart. This notion was solidified during a phone call the Friday preceding his inauguration, which Trump characterized as 'very good.' The conversation touched on various enticing subjects, like trade, the somewhat controversial fentanyl, and everyone's favorite time-sink, TikTok. All in all, it sounds like a diplomatic mixer that also doubled as a brainstorming session for achieving global peace through viral dances.

It's worth noting that during Trump's initial term, he made a notable visit to Beijing in 2017, making him somewhat of an old hand at the rising tensions between the two superpowers. His past trip was marked by a botched state dinner that featured an extravagant feast—likely including more than a few dumplings. Now, as he prepares to step into the White House once more, the idea is to repeat history while strategically sidestepping the moments that didn't come off quite as planned, particularly those surrounding trade tariffs.

Reports indicate that Trump has informed his advisers of a barrage of strategies for his yet-to-be-scheduled trip. Unsurprisingly, these include not just a round of golf with Xi but also discussions on a vast array of issues, all under the umbrella of international cooperation. With tariff threats lingering like a cloud of smoke, Trump appears to be ready for a decent chat—one where both parties can air grievances and try to make amends over dumplings and Peking duck, all while keeping their fingers crossed that no trade wars erupt mid-meal.

Furthermore, a rebuttal to these long-standing issues may come in the form of Vice President Han Zheng and the Chinese ambassador to the U.S. attending Trump's inauguration. Having direct representatives of China at such a significant American political ceremony hints at an openness that had remained elusive. Some might say it’s hard to negotiate when you’re busy plotting tariff-induced downfall over breakfast. Clearly, the tone has shifted from hostility to perhaps an awkward embrace—complete with a back pat that doesn't mean anything but looks cordial.

Meanwhile, whispers around Washington indicate that Xi may be considering a trip to the U.S., as both leaders examine ways to solidify their strategic communication. Nothing warms the heart like an international visit, especially when it involves a great meal shared with appetizing geopolitics. This could pave the way for a rather jocular game of who can make the other blush with flattery while in the same room.

Trump’s previous approach to China seemed aligned with a chess match more than a friendly dinner date, where tariffs were treated like cards in a poker game. Now, with every move Trump makes, there's potential for a shake-up in the global order. Clearly, the stakes are too high for anything but a careful effort at resolution.

In the grand scheme of things, while many people are preparing their best pouty-face selfies for the carbon-copy diplomatic Christmas cards, it remains to be seen whether Trump can truly turn his aspirations into action without running into walls—which, as it turns out, are more difficult to demolish than they are to build. Trump must tread carefully in his efforts to charm Xi without breaking out a hammer and nails in a rematch of petrified trade talks. The average person might wonder how these conversations proceed when tariffs hang in the air like the uninvited guest at a party who never leaves.

Trump's brief tenure has taught us that anything can happen when negotiating with such a vast nation. One can't help but speculate about the gifts exchanged—sure, some may opt for economic development plans and trade packages, but wouldn't a good pair of socks come in handy when facing the cold reality of negotiations, or perhaps a plush toy resembling a bodybuilder to take home as a souvenir? The complexities of international relations are never so simple, and in a digital era where memes float around like confetti, the exchange of friendly jabs could hold more weight than the actual discussions.

As we wait for the dust to settle and the plane doors to open, one can't shake the feeling that trends in international relations may continue to be dictated by memes, trade deficits, and a well-timed TikTok dance. The trip to China could transform into a diplomatic extravaganza, where the world watches to see if Trump can swing his charm factor from 11 to 12 in a matter of moments. Now, wouldn’t that be something worth seeing?