TIME | Charlie Campbell
U.S. President Donald Trump's 2026 visit to Beijing highlighted a significant shift in global power dynamics, with Chinese President Xi Jinping asserting dominance from the outset. Xi issued a strong rebuke regarding American arms sales to Taiwan, warning of potential conflict, and Trump appeared uncharacteristically subdued. This perceived deference, despite Trump's usual belligerence, underscores China's growing confidence as a peer to the U.S., even amidst its own economic challenges like a prolonged property crisis and high youth unemployment. China's economy, however, demonstrated resilience with a record trade surplus and surging exports of green technology. Regarding the ongoing Iran conflict, Trump claimed Xi offered assistance and vowed not to provide military equipment, though China's foreign ministry adopted a more robust stance. The trip also saw Trump making significant concessions, including approving advanced AI chip sales and suspending arms sales to Taiwan, a stark contrast to his earlier protectionist policies. China's strategic gains were further evident in the lack of U.S. pressure on human rights, cyber espionage, or IP theft, and Trump's isolation from traditional allies.
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