Eighteen months out, the president is already hyper-engaged in the fight to keep the GOP’s majorities in Congress.

Close China watchers say they don’t expect Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to make any immediate concessions when the two sides meet in Switzerland this weekend.

“If you can survive the Hill, you can survive in prison,” he said. “The Hill can be a treacherous place, no question about it. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. What does it ...