Trump-Xi meeting could lead to either direction
The world's attention will be focused on the meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later in the week. This is not just because they represent two powerful countries but also due to the aggression Trump had demonstrated towards Beijing during his presidential election campaign. Indeed, soon after being elected, he had severely ruffled Chinese feathers by speaking to Taiwan's leader over the phone. China is opposed to any official recognition to Taiwan, let alone to arms deals between the island-nation and the US or the rest of the world. Even otherwise, Trump is not seen to be especially warm toward China, having made several statements before becoming President and even after, via social media and the rest, to express his distrust over Beijing's global moves, as also on matters on currency rates — with Trump having once remarked that China was engaged in ‘manipulation'. He had also threatened to impose a hefty tariff on Chinese imports. Given that this will be the first meeting between the two, high expectations may be misplaced. While the baggage of uneasiness is already there, the two leaders have to struggle to find common ground on various contentious issues such as climate change, for instance. President Trump's and President Xi's opinion on North Korea differ vastly, and so do their thoughts on Beijing's position on South China Sea. If the two Presidents manage to even break the ice in body language, though not arrive at a common point, it would be regarded as a success. President Trump will realise that dealing with China needs an enormous level of tact that combines both firmness and flexibility. Having questioned at one point the One China policy vis-Ã -vis Taiwan, he had to quickly do a U-turn and endorse what Beijing considers a non-negotiable element. One development can result in a more warm relationship developing between Washington DC and Beijing: The confirmation as US envoy to China of Iowa Governor Terry Brantad, considered President Xi's personal friend.
Meanwhile, China too mustn't expect, in the coming months, sedate responses from the Trump Administration, should it decided to continue with its belligerence in regional and global matters and seek to take on the Americans. Of course, Beijing has always contended that it has no desire to confront any nation but to merely ensure its place under the sun. But Trump has come to the White House on the promise of not buckling under pressure from the likes of China, and it will be difficult for him to altogether abandon his policies. There could be some tempering, of course, but Beijing will still have to watch out. Experts believe that the Russia factor can play a role in easing relations between President Xi and President Trump. Trump gets along famously with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while the Russian leader bonds well with President Xi for a variety of reasons. Can these personal equations work beyond as wellIJ