trade war with china

President Trump's visit to China is overshadowed by the Iran War, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted his approval ratings. While trade and Taiwan remain on the agenda, the protracted conflict in Iran presents a significant challenge, with the US struggling to achieve its war aims and facing a decline in superpower status.

During their discussions, President Trump and Xi Jinping placed Taiwan at the forefront of their diplomatic agenda. Trump perceives arms sales to Taiwan as a way to gain leverage, whereas Taiwan insists on its importance for regional harmony. Given its strategic significance in the technology sector, especially in chip manufacturing, any tension involving Taiwan could disturb the global economy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping invoked the "Thucydides Trap" during talks with US President Donald Trump, highlighting concerns that the rising power's growth could lead to conflict with the established dominant power. This theory, popularized by Graham Allison, suggests structural tensions make war more likely, a concept now central to global geopolitical debates involving trade wars and technological competition.

This week, US President Donald Trump will embark on a pivotal journey to China, where his host expects 'more stability' in terms of trade disputes and the turbulence in the Middle East. A day before his visit, key economic advisers and trade negotiators will meet in Seoul to finalise critically important negotiations.

Taiwan, a flashpoint in US-China rivalry, is increasingly central to global tensions. President Xi Jinping's "Thucydides Trap" warning highlights the risk of conflict as China rises. The island's strategic importance in semiconductors and trade, coupled with historical crises, underscores the escalating danger of miscalculation.

President Trump's Beijing visit concluded without major breakthroughs, highlighting a widening gap in core interests between the US and China. While projecting stability, the meetings revealed limited cooperation on issues like Iran and Taiwan, with trade offering the only tangible deliverables. Both leaders claimed victory, entering a transactional phase focused on leverage.

Presidents Xi and Trump are set for a crucial summit, aiming for stability despite deep-seated issues like tech rivalry and Taiwan. While a trade deal might emerge, it won't end the underlying friction. China's focus on domestic chip production and its stance on Taiwan, deemed the 'biggest risk,' will also be key discussion points. The US may also expect China's mediation in ending the Iranian mess.

The Trump-Xi summit yielded no major breakthroughs, with both leaders sticking to their strategic interests, particularly concerning Taiwan. Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine, met with Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russia, highlight Moscow's continued aggression. Latvia's government collapsed over a drone incident, underscoring regional security concerns. Meanwhile, a joint US-Nigeria operation eliminated the Islamic State's No. 2 leader in Nigeria.

Donald Trump visited China, praising Xi Jinping while Xi alluded to America's decline and the "Thucydides Trap." Despite claims of trade breakthroughs, no concrete agreements were announced. Trump also continued his social media attacks and focused on domestic projects, while a satirical art installation mocked his approach to the Iran conflict.

Russian President Putin is set for a significant two-day visit to China, commencing May 19, to deepen strategic ties with President Xi Jinping. This follows closely on the heels of Donald Trump's high-profile trip to Beijing, which focused on Taiwan, trade, and Iran. The leaders will discuss strengthening their partnership and address key global issues, aiming to sign a joint declaration.

President Trump embarks on a crucial three-day visit to China, set to engage in high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping. Discussions will span critical global issues including the Middle East conflict, Taiwan, AI, and nuclear weapons. Business leaders are accompanying Trump, signaling a focus on trade and potential new deals, as both nations navigate complex economic and security landscapes.

Oil prices saw a slight uptick as traders awaited crucial talks between US President Trump and China's Xi Jinping. Lingering concerns over the Strait of Hormuz disruptions and the ongoing Middle East conflict are keeping markets on edge. Despite US pressure, China's continued reliance on Iranian oil adds complexity to potential resolutions.

As President Trump arrives in Beijing, anticipation runs low for any breakthroughs regarding China's influence over Iran and the vital Strait of Hormuz. His agenda includes discussions on trade and the pressing issue of fentanyl, yet underlying tensions over their differing views on geopolitical conflicts threaten to overshadow these talks.

President Trump declared his China visit a historic "G-2" success, highlighting major trade deals including Boeing aircraft sales and agricultural commitments. He also suggested China would refrain from aggressive action on Taiwan during his presidency, while Xi Jinping privately warned of confrontation over the island. Trump indicated China's willingness to help broker an end to the Iran conflict.

China's exports surged 14.1% in April, significantly exceeding expectations and bolstering the nation's economy despite global uncertainties. This strong performance precedes a crucial meeting between US and Chinese leaders, where trade tensions and other disputes are expected to be discussed. Analysts anticipate continued export-driven growth for China this year.