Hey, South Asia & Southeast Asia fam! 🌏 In a major APEC highlight, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump just sat down face-to-face in Busan, Republic of Korea. We tapped Wu Xinbo, director of Fudan University’s Center for American Studies, to unpack what this could mean for the future of China–US ties. 🔍
1. A Fresh Restart 🔄
Wu calls this a “restart of top-level diplomacy.” With Trump back in the White House, he’s got a newfound respect for China’s strength—kind of like levelling up in a strategy game. 🎮 Six years ago, Trump joked Xi was a tough negotiator. Now he truly gets China’s weight in the room.
2. Partners, Not Rivals 🤝
Xi urged that China and the U.S. should be “partners and friends,” steering the big ship of relations steadily onward. Trump echoed that China is America’s biggest partner. The message? Drop the threat vibes and keep things stable. 🌊
3. Business as the Driving Force ⚙️
Trade should be the anchor, not an obstacle. Wu notes both sides want a “bigger economic cake” together—no trade wars as sabotage. Think co-op mode instead of battle royale. 🍰
4. Talk, Not Tussle 🗣️
Trump said they made solid progress on trade. Wu sees this as a signal: more negotiation, less stand-offs. A win-win if they keep the convo going.
5. Stability Depends on Resolve 💪
Past talks fizzled out, but China’s shown its cards—like export limits on rare earths (the materials powering your phone’s magnets). The real game-changer? China’s readiness to stand its ground, making the U.S. think twice before acting rashly. 🤔
Bottom line: This Busan meetup could usher in a smoother era in China–US ties—as long as both stay committed to dialogue and mutual gains. Let’s see if they keep sailing in calm waters! ⛵
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
