Xi’s long game with Trump: What I’ve learned after covering 30 years of US-China ties
Xi’s long game with Trump: What I’ve learned after covering 30 years of US-China ties
Xi s long game with Trump – In the late 1990s, as a young journalist, I often found myself framing US-China tensions through a lens of the three Ts: Tiananmen, Tibet, and Taiwan. These issues, deeply rooted in political and ideological divides, dominated discussions during high-level diplomatic encounters. Tiananmen symbolized the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy movements, while Tibet and Taiwan were battlegrounds over China’s sovereignty claims and the broader question of human rights. Fast forward to the present, and the conversation has shifted. This week’s summit in Beijing between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping marks another evolution in their relationship, with a new set of priorities emerging: tariffs, technology, and Taiwan, alongside Tehran as an added focus.
The once-urgent human rights debates have given way to economic and strategic concerns. Taiwan, still a critical point of contention, remains a focal issue for China, but the broader narrative has tilted toward trade and technological competition. This transformation reflects a broader geopolitical shift, where America’s emphasis on values-based diplomacy has waned in favor of pragmatic negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, once a vocal critic of China’s policies, has grown more reserved in public statements. His role as America’s top diplomat now centers on balancing diplomatic engagements with economic pragmatism, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spearheads efforts to address the complex trade dynamics between the two nations.
Xi Jinping, China’s most dominant Communist leader since Mao Zedong’s passing in the 1970s, has continued to centralize authority across all facets of governance. His administration’s ability to reshape the economy and military with decisive political will underscores the power of a one-party system. Yet, the current state of the US-China relationship is equally shaped by Trump’s policies. Many analysts argue that his approach has inadvertently bolstered China’s position, both strategically and in terms of global perception. This shift began during his first term but has intensified since his return to the White House in early 2025.
Trump’s decisions, such as dismantling decades-old trade agreements and redefining security alliances, have created an environment where China gains leverage. The war with Iran, for instance, has diverted US attention and resources, allowing Beijing to position itself as a stabilizing force. Critics on Chinese social media have dubbed Trump “Nation-Building Trump,” a subtle critique of his perceived role in propelling China’s global influence. The label, though pointed, highlights how Trump’s actions abroad have been seen as indirectly supporting China’s rise, even as domestic challenges persist.
Global perceptions and the shifting balance of power
As the world watches the US-China dynamic, leaders from both allies and adversaries have increasingly turned to Beijing. This trend reflects a growing recognition of China’s economic resilience and strategic clout. Recent surveys indicate a softening of global attitudes toward the United States, with many observers, including Americans, warming to Xi’s vision of China’s ascent. The narrative has transformed from one of ideological conflict to a more nuanced discussion of economic interdependence and geopolitical realignment.
The Chinese public, immersed in state media narratives, has absorbed a clear message: the chaos and divisions caused by Trump’s leadership have weakened America’s global standing. This perception is reinforced by the contrast between US struggles in the Middle East and China’s steady control over key resources. The Iran conflict, for example, has not only strained US alliances but also redirected focus away from the Indo-Pacific, where China’s economic and military strategies are most formidable. While oil prices remain volatile, China’s strategic stockpiling of resources and early pivot to green energy have insulated it from the immediate shocks of international crises.
Xi’s ability to navigate these challenges is a testament to his leadership. Even as his hands appear tied by domestic pressures—such as the ongoing demographic crisis marked by declining birth rates—his economic policies provide a buffer. By investing heavily in infrastructure and purchasing American agricultural products, he can create the illusion of progress for Trump ahead of crucial mid-term elections. This maneuver not only addresses immediate economic needs but also reinforces the image of a leader capable of delivering tangible results, a key theme in Trump’s campaign rhetoric.
The “Board of Trade” and the art of negotiation
One of Trump’s more unconventional proposals, the “Board of Trade” concept, aims to streamline bilateral negotiations. While the idea has yet to fully materialize, it underscores the administration’s focus on efficiency and outcomes. The Chinese, with their vast bureaucracy of over 7 million civil servants, have shown an adeptness at adapting to such frameworks. Their ability to absorb and reconfigure international initiatives suggests a long-term strategy of maintaining flexibility while advancing their interests.
Despite these structural advantages, China faces its own set of economic headwinds. The country’s manufacturing and service sectors have been embroiled in self-defeating price wars, while domestic consumption remains sluggish. Youth unemployment, a persistent issue, adds to the pressure on policymakers. However, Xi’s government has consistently demonstrated the capacity to convert these challenges into opportunities. By offering substantial financial support to American industries, he can secure political capital in Washington, even as he consolidates power within China.
Looking back over three decades of US-China coverage, it’s evident that the relationship has undergone a profound transformation. From human rights debates to trade negotiations, the priorities have evolved in tandem with the shifting global order. Trump’s tenure, though marked by unpredictability, has played a pivotal role in this evolution. His policies have not only altered the dynamics of the summit but also reshaped how the world perceives China’s rise. As the decade unfolds, the question remains: can Xi’s long-term vision withstand the challenges of a rapidly changing international landscape?
“Nation-Building Trump” is a not-so-subtle jab at his alleged ability to prop up China on the world stage through his actions.”
Ultimately, the US-China relationship is a complex tapestry woven from decades of history, current events, and future ambitions. While the three Ts of the past may still echo in political discourse, the new trio of tariffs, technology, and Taiwan signals a more pragmatic era. In this context, Xi’s strategy is not merely about negotiation—it’s about ensuring China’s place as a global leader, even as the US grapples with its own domestic and international challenges. The balance of power, once defined by ideological stances, now hinges on economic strength, political maneuvering, and the ability to adapt to an ever-evolving world stage.
