Xi responds to advanced American duties differently than Trump expected. For interior political reasons, it shows a clear advantage over the US. Blick explains Xi's strategy, which may even turn into a fresh cold war.
One thing is certain: Xi hasn't contacted Trump yet, nor is there a date for specified a meeting. But this silence is sinister..
Xi treats the 'dealmaker' with a wink
At a press conference in the Oval Office on Friday, Donald Trump said that "he has a very good relation with president Xi". “I am assured that they will continue,” he adds. erstwhile asked if he had late spoken to a Chinese leader, Trump refused to answer.
Trump's global diplomacy is in fact highly focused on individual relations. Trump wants to make crucial decisions straight at the table and thus finalize the deal.
Xi Jinping doesn't want that right now. Trump is inactive taunting China. On Easter Sunday, he published photographs of large whirls of garbage in the sea and wrote, “Prezent from China” in the Pacific Ocean.”
He shows no weakness
There are respective reasons why Xi is not speaking. The demonstration of strength and sovereignty is besides crucial in Chinese politics. A direct call to Trump could be interpreted as a sign of weakness.
China responded to US duties — now up to 145% of Chinese imports — with its own customs duties on US goods. They are up to 125 percent. Xi stresses that China will "fight to the end" in defence of its national interests.
"The door to talks is open, but dialog must be based on common respect," said a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce recently. "If the US decides to confront, China will take retaliation. Pressure, threats and blackmail are not the right way to deal with China."
During a Republican organization dinner 2 weeks ago, Trump besides reported that representatives of many countries would call him and kiss him. Xi is clearly not prepared for this.
New alliances
At the same time, the Chinese autocrat moves on to the offensive: to reduce his dependence on the US, China is looking for fresh outlets, especially in Southeast Asia. Xi has already visited Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia this month. It introduces itself as a supporter of free trade and an open global economy.
China itself is accompanied by propaganda. It underlines the national pride and economical strength on which the Communist organization bases its legitimacy.
Analysts foretell that China will not accomplish a 5% growth mark in 2025, which could exacerbate national debt and youth unemployment. That's another reason Xi can't afford to show his weakness for the US.
“Tolerate pain”
“The Chinese strategy can better tolerate the pain of the trade war,” explains Zhao Tong, a Chinese expert in Carnegie Endowment, Washington. He fears that this may besides happen in safety issues specified as Taiwan. – Trump had previously threatened to impose duties of 100% in the case of Chinese invasion.
Higher duties have entered into force, but the problems of the Chinese economy are not ‘unacceptable’. This shows that economical threats would not have prevented China from invading. Military competition between the 2 superpowers can so be further intensified. The American paper "The Wall Street Journal" already warns against a fresh cold war.
Uncertain result
Xi Jinping's refusal to talk straight to Trump is part of a strategy to avoid weakness. China is presently creating fresh trade alliances in Southeast Asia to reduce its dependence on the US. In Xi country, it focuses on national pride and tries to mitigate economical consequences.
Whether he succeeds depends on China's ability to open fresh markets and stabilise the national economy. But 1 thing is certain: being aware of Xi's power is simply a hard nut to crack for Trump's "dealmaker".
