Trump-Xi Summit, If Not Canceled Like Trump-Putin, Will Be Tepid

2025-10-22 03:19:20

(MENAFN- Asia Times) The summit between American President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping could be a meeting between two good, decent people.

Those who know him describe Xi as a kind man who is always attentive to the needs of those around him. Trump himself should be a good man, given all the effort he puts into appearing bad. Evil men usually don't do that; they want to look good.

However, individual goodness won't alter the nature of the meeting or the direction it might take.

Two heavy shadows loom over the gathering: the sudden cancellation of the planned meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the very fresh flurry of trade disputes and threats between the US and China.

Trump already questioned the meeting with Xi, then reaffirmed it. But nothing is certain at this point.

The two presidents, in fact, represent two countries with fundamentally and clearly opposing needs. China needs to sustain and even expand its trade surplus, which is currently the primary driver of growth in its otherwise struggling domestic economy.

Conversely, America needs to curb and eliminate China's trade surplus because it is unsustainable for its finances. For both nations, their conflicting needs are vital, and each believes it has the advantage over the other.

MENAFN22102025000159011032ID1110234301

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.