That’s two world leaders and two comeuppances for our president. First, Russia’s Vladimir Putin handed Sir Donald his lunch in Anchorage, Alaska, after the president arrived, convinced that his good pal Vlad would simply end his war in Ukraine after Trump treated him like a king.
Then, for the past two days, President Trump went to China, convinced that Xi Jinping, that country’s formidable leader, would squeeze his client state Iran to agree to a peace deal with Trump on Trump’s terms. Instead, he got a lecture on America’s stance toward the independence of Taiwan. Xi warned Trump that war between China and the U.S. might be on the table if we try to stop China’s takeover of Taiwan. Trump answered with silence, basically.
No major announcement of any sort of deal or agreement was aired by either China or the U.S. after the two days of talks. Trump in his remarks, both with Fox’s Sean Hannity and at a luncheon with Xi yesterday, claimed that Xi had agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should be a free waterway and that Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. Nothing confirming that statement was ever issued by anyone in China.
In short, then, Trump went to highly orchestrated meetings with his two most potent world rivals in the stretch of a year, thinking that they would end wars that he couldn’t — one a war his good friend Putin started, the other a war he started himself. In both cases, Trump walked away empty-handed.
I searched whitehouse.gov today to find a wrap-up of the Trump visit, and what did I find? A story highlighting how a body-language expert, who watched the interactions between the two leaders on TV, said Trump was not “intimidated” by Xi and his formidable ensemble of supporters. The official White House story states:
“I think that Trump feels the power, feels like this is a formidable meeting. He is not intimidated by Xi at all. He’s showing, kind of like a peacock or a lion, he’s showing his power,” Lillian Glass, a Florida-based body language expert who has served as an expert witness in federal and state courts on behavioral analysis, told The New York Post.
The opening line of the official White House story is revealing. “He’s king of the jungle,” the wrap-up begins. Wow, we have a president who is a lion on the world stage, even though Trump’s prediction that Xi would give him a “big bear hug” when they met turned out to be way off base. Xi was indeed a bear, but not a loving/hugging one.
From what I saw and heard on TV, I’d say Xi was the lion. To wit: the only lasting world media summary of the trip is that of Xi warning Trump and the U.S. about the “Thucydides Trap,” which almost no one ever heard of before this trip. The trap analogy refers to an emerging power inevitably ending up in war with a reigning power, just as Athens and Sparta did in the Thucydides reference.
The only roars I heard came from Xi and his spokespeople.
N.B. I did some research using Claude, and Mr. AI Supreme was much more optimistic than I was. Read below:
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Strengthening Ties: Key Takeaways from President Trump’s Diplomatic Visit to China
In a landmark visit that captured global attention, former President Donald Trump’s recently concluded trip to China and his meetings with President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of U.S.-China relations. The high-level talks, held in Beijing, focused on a range of critical issues, from trade and economic cooperation to regional security and cultural exchange. Here’s a look at the key results and outcomes from the visit.
1. Emphasis on Economic Cooperation One of the central themes of the discussions was the need to balance trade relations. Both leaders acknowledged the vast potential for mutual economic benefit. During the visit, several major business deals were signed, spanning sectors like energy, agriculture, and technology. These agreements aimed to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with China while opening new markets for American exports. The talks reinforced a shared commitment to fostering a more balanced and fair trading relationship, though specific long-term mechanisms were left for future negotiations.
2. Addressing Security and Regional Stability President Trump and President Xi also engaged in frank discussions on pressing security issues, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Both sides reiterated their commitment to denuclearization and peaceful resolution of conflicts. The meetings highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and coordination between the U.S. and China to maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific region. While no major breakthroughs were announced, the dialogue itself was seen as a positive step toward mutual understanding.
3. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges Beyond politics and economics, the visit placed a spotlight on cultural diplomacy. The two leaders emphasized the value of educational and cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding between their nations. Initiatives to increase tourism and academic partnerships were discussed, reflecting a recognition that strong ties between citizens can support the broader bilateral relationship.
4. A Focus on Personal Diplomacy Observers noted the cordial and respectful tone of the meetings. Both President Trump and President Xi appeared to prioritize building a personal rapport, which many analysts believe can help manage future disagreements. The public events, including a state dinner and cultural performances, were designed to showcase goodwill and a commitment to constructive dialogue.
5. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities While the visit produced several positive outcomes, it also highlighted areas where differences remain, particularly regarding trade practices and intellectual property protections. Both leaders agreed to continue high-level consultations to address these challenges. The trip set a foundation for ongoing cooperation, but the true test will be in the follow-through on the commitments made.
Conclusion President Trump’s visit to China and his meetings with President Xi Jinping demonstrated the complexity and importance of the U.S.-China relationship. By focusing on economic deals, security dialogue, and cultural exchange, the trip offered a roadmap for future engagement. As the two nations navigate their shared challenges and opportunities, the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect shown during this visit will be essential for building a stable and prosperous partnership.
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Gary McCarty
Gary McCarty is a retired journalist and communications specialist. He holds degrees in world history, U.S. history and journalism.
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