A rare Trump–Xi phone call briefly eased US–China trade tensions. But future talks may increasingly play to Xi’s advantage.
  • NoSpotOfGround@lemmy.world
    15·
    3 days ago

    Aside from the actual effect of the resumption of rare earth exports, Trump’s apparent priority given to the issue signals to Beijing just how reliant the U.S. is on China in this regard — something that would not have gone unnoticed by Xi.

    Xi never came calling

    Just one day before the June 5 call, Trump wrote on social media: “I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!”

    His conversation with the Chinese leader would have further reinforced Xi’s tough image — not just for a Chinese audience, but for international observers as well.

    This was certainly encouraged by how China described the call. According to China’s official statement, Xi “took a phone call from U.S. President Donald J. Trump” – the subtle implication being that it was Trump who initiated the call.

    This framing promotes the idea that Xi holds the upper hand. The Chinese statement also highlighted that the Geneva talks were “at the suggestion of the U.S. side,” implying that China did not back down in the face of Trump’s trade pressure — and that it was Trump who ultimately blinked first.

    It goes on with lots of interesting details. Worth the read.

  • evenglow@lemmy.world
    11·
    3 days ago

    This is the first they talked to each other since Trump is back in office. It didn’t happen until Xi shut off rare earth metals exports.

  • SnarkoPolo@lemmy.world
    2·
    3 days ago

    “It was the best kowtow! The most stupendous BOFFO suckup! Many people are saying no one gives in to Ghina like Trump! I caved so fast, you can call me Batman! I’m Ghina’s little pants crapping b1tch bigly!”