Good omens amidst bad events

Just before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, there was a development that seemed like a good omen for US-China relations.

Since his re-election, Trump has spoken by phone with leaders of many countries around the world , but it wasn't until just before his official inauguration that he had a phone conversation with Xi Jinping, the President of China.

Mr. Trump (left) and Mr. Xi met in 2019.

From quite early on, President Trump invited President Xi Jinping to the US for his inauguration, but China only announced close to the date that a high-ranking representative of the Chinese leadership would attend. These actions are noteworthy, given that Trump himself had previously initiated a trade war with Beijing and nominated several cabinet members with unfavorable views toward China. Recently, Trump even threatened to increase tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the US. Furthermore, the US banned TikTok from operating in the country and imposed sanctions on China's semiconductor industry.

This means that amidst unfavorable developments, there are unexpected signs of good fortune for bilateral relations. This suggests that Beijing has prepared for any scenario that Trump might employ in bilateral relations over the next four years, and China's intention is to adopt a "soft approach first, then a firm one" towards Trump. It also indicates that Trump has realized he cannot act recklessly and must be flexible, cooperative, and even try to win over China.

What was in the 'very good' phone call between President Xi and President-elect Trump?

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/diem-lanh-giua-dien-bien-bat-lanh-185250119212055901.htm