14 May 2026

The Stakes of Trump vs. Xi: How the Summit Could Change the Course of U.S.-China Competition

Foreign Affairs  |  Kurt M. Campbell
The article posits that a hypothetical summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping could fundamentally alter the trajectory of U.S.-China competition, drawing parallels to historical single combats where individual duels determined broader conflicts. The author, Kurt M. Campbell, a former Deputy Secretary of State and Indo-Pacific Coordinator, highlights the potential for such a high-stakes meeting to establish new parameters for the relationship between the two global powers. The analysis suggests that the outcomes of a Trump-Xi encounter, much like the duels of Achilles and Hector or David and Goliath, could have profound implications for the strategic landscape, potentially leading to either a de-escalation or a sharpening of the ongoing competition across various domains including economic, technological, and geopolitical spheres. The piece emphasizes that the personal dynamics and policy orientations of both leaders would be critical factors in shaping the future of U.S.-China relations, with significant ramifications for global stability and the international order.

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