Historical meeting Trump – Si in Pekin to redefine trade relations and strategic rivalry under the heavy shadow of the war.
The visit of Trump to China marks a critical turning point in global developments, with the agenda ranging from the war in Iran and energy security to technological supremacy and the thorny issue of Taiwan.
At an international juncture marked by escalating tensions in the Middle East, Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing is the first contact between an American leader and the Chinese leadership on Chinese soil since 2017.
The two leaders, Donald Trump and Shi Jinping, are being asked to manage a relationship that has changed radically in recent years, as China has achieved a significant degree of technological autonomy and industrial power, while the US is locked in a protracted conflict with Iran that is affecting global supply chains and energy prices.
Washington’s strategic ambitions
For the American president, this meeting is crucial for his foreign policy, as the war with Iran, entering its third month, upends initial economic plans.
Trump is seeking to use his relationship with Shi Jinping to put pressure on Tehran to end the sea lanes blockade and achieve a lasting peace.
At the same time, the US side is urgently raising the issue of Taiwan and weapons programmes, while on the economic front it is seeking major deals in the aerospace and energy sectors that could be presented as successes to domestic audiences ahead of the elections.
Peking’s perspective and position of power
On the other side, Chi Jinping comes to the talks believing that China has an advantage as US involvement in the Middle East creates room for maneuver for Peking.
The Chinese leadership aims to stabilize the trade truce and extract trade-offs, such as easing restrictions on high-tech exports and reducing US military support to Taipei.
For China, a stable relationship with the US is essential for its continued economic rise and its establishment as a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence and green energy.
This meeting, beyond its diplomatic grandeur, is expected to determine whether the two superpowers will be driven to a new form of coexistence or a further deepening of their strategic rivalry.
