A Georgetown University professor and senior adviser with The Asia Group analyzes China's approach to President Trump's second term. The article highlights the clarity and determination of Xi Jinping's strategy, contrasting it with Trump's uncertainty. It discusses China's confidence in its economic and political strength, its understanding of Trump's tendencies, and its readiness to engage in negotiations while maintaining a firm stance.
The writer is a professor at Georgetown University and a senior adviser with The Asia Group. He served on the US National Security Council staff in 2009-2015. If Donald Trump ’s China policy is defined by uncertainty and contradiction, Xi Jinping’s strategy is defined by clarity and determination. The Chinese president’s approach to the US president-elect is not a secret. Beijing has been quite clear since the election about its views and possible responses.
Xi plans not only to respond, but to take advantage of Trump’s moves. During Trump’s first term, Beijing scrambled to react. It is determined not to repeat that. Xi is well into his preparations and has signalled such. Most Chinese analysts were not surprised by Trump’s election, linking his comeback to a global tide of populism and nationalism. Beijing believes it now understands Trump’s gamesmanship and can manipulate his administration. China’s confidence is based on the conclusion — accurate or not — that China in 2025 is different from 2017, and so is the US and the world. Many Chinese argue that Xi is stronger politically and the economy is more self-reliant and resilient, even amid recent challenges. Chinese analysts view the US economy as more fragile and American politics as deeply divided. Geopolitically, Beijing sees US influence as declining throughout the global south and Asia — and support for China’s vision as rising. Xi has already signalled that he will treat his ties to Trump as a purely business relationship, albeit Don Corleone style. He won’t personally embrace Trump and will retaliate early and hard in order to generate leverage. Beijing in effect rejected Trump’s invitation for Xi to attend the inauguration. But Beijing is also signalling it wants dialogue and is open to a deal to avoid new tariffs. However, the Chinese, who prefer to use back channels, are struggling to find the right one to understand what Trump “really” wants
CHINA XIPING TRUMP US POLICY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Donald Trump has invited China’s President Xi Jinping to his inaugurationOutreach comes as Beijing seeks clarity on how relations with Washington will fare under incoming administration
Read more »
Xi Jinping: The Complex Relationship with Trump AwaitsTwo new books delve into the life and personality of Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, revealing a complex individual with a history of trauma and a strongman persona. These insights are crucial for understanding the future relationship between Xi and Donald Trump.
Read more »
Donald Trump picks former senator and CEO David Perdue for ambassador to ChinaPresident-elect says candidate’s international business career will help build relations with Beijing
Read more »
Trump’s return casts a shadow over China’s success in US solar sectorChinese manufacturers have benefited from Biden-era subsidies — but that may be about to change
Read more »
Biden backs memo aimed at helping Trump on China, Iran, North Korea and RussiaThe incoming US administration is looking to counter growing co-operation among its adversaries on the world stage.
Read more »
China’s Trump cards in the coming trade war escalationUS policymakers should think more about retaliatory responses to probable tariff increases
Read more »