Trump’s Dial Tone: Xi Jinping Dodges Communication Amid Rising Trade Tensions
U.S. President Trump has expressed his desire for a communication over tariffs with the leader of China, Xi Jinping. However, Mr. Xi appears to be avoiding the interaction with Mr. Trump, causing finance markets to dip sharply. Trump and Xi Jinping had significant interactions during the G20 Summit in Japan in 2019, where they fostered a seemingly amicable relationship. Trump acknowledged his longstanding friendship with Xi, stating that he ‘has been a friend of mine for quite some time.’
With the potential for a global economic disruption, uncertainty looms over a definitive conversation between the two leaders. Amid the intensifying trade clash between the U.S. and China, Trump and his aides are awaiting a call from the Chinese leader. During a cabinet meeting, Trump voiced his respect for President Xi. He added, ‘I have known him for a while, and I believe we will eventually establish an arrangement that benefits both nations.’
However, Xi appears to be avoiding direct contact with Trump at this stage. Currently, he’s on a diplomatic trip in the Southeast Asia region to discuss the trade dispute and rally support from local leaders. This move indicates China’s determination not to yield in the escalating trade face-off.
Earlier in the month, a representative of the Chinese foreign ministry posted a video from the era of the Korean War, with the founder of the People’s Republic of China, Mao Zedong. The latter famously stated, ‘Regardless of how protracted this war becomes, we will not surrender. We will persist until we achieve total victory.’
Trump’s long-perceived camaraderie with Xi is slowly slipping away. With this retreat comes the increasing odds of a drawn-out resolution to Trump’s trade war, pushing the U.S. economy closer to the edge of a downturn. Consequently, this could eliminate trillions of dollars from the U.S. stock market that had accumulated since Trump’s tenure began on January 20.
Besides causing economic distress, this trade tussle potentially holds the power to stir up military and diplomatic relations between these two global powerhouses. It’s clear that the standoff reverberates not just within the borders of the U.S. and China but also across international alliances and relationships.