Why a delayed Xi-Trump summit could give China a stronger hand
Why a delayed Xi-Trump summit could give China a stronger hand
Chinese officials suggest that President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone a pivotal meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping might inadvertently benefit Beijing. The delay, reportedly proposed as a “5-to-6 week” adjustment, could allow both nations to bypass immediate challenges tied to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has been a major concern for China’s strategic ties in the Middle East.
Beijing has not officially confirmed the summit’s postponement, though its stance remains optimistic. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted the importance of such high-level encounters, calling them “irreplaceable” for steering the bilateral relationship. However, behind the scenes, some Chinese analysts express caution, noting that the summit “may not necessarily occur as planned” if either side decides to withdraw.
“If the Iran war causes significant harm to Chinese citizens or assets, Trump might lose his leverage,” said a Chinese source, emphasizing one of Beijing’s key concerns.
Analysts argue the delay could weaken Trump’s position, especially if the conflict continues to disrupt oil supplies and global economic stability. “The longer the war persists, the more Trump’s frustration grows, and his vulnerability becomes clearer,” remarked Wu Xinbo, a professor at Fudan University and member of China’s Foreign Ministry advisory group.
Trump’s strategy for the summit has faced setbacks, including the US Supreme Court’s February ruling that overturned his emergency tariffs. This decision, along with the unanticipated Iran conflict, has left him in a precarious position. “He aimed to resolve the issue swiftly, but it’s now dragging on, reducing his effectiveness,” Wu added.
While the war may strain China’s economy, it also presents political opportunities. By positioning itself as a stable alternative to the US, China could gain global credibility. “Many nations now view China as a more dependable partner than the US, even if it isn’t objectively more reliable,” noted Rana Mitter, a specialist in US-Asia relations at Harvard Kennedy School.
Beijing’s careful approach to the delay reflects its strategic calculations. With the summit seen as a chance to redefine relations between the world’s top economic and military powers, China’s patience could pay dividends if the US continues to face internal and external pressures.
