US President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated visit to Beijing on Wednesday comes at a restless moment for a world worried about war and trade disputes. Trump has said he will have a “long talk” about Iran with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and will also discuss US arms sales to Taiwan. Here’s what to know about the summit.
I just hope Trump and Xi can actually make progress on trade instead of just posturing. The tariffs are hurting farmers in my state.
Why is Trump bringing up Taiwan? That’s a red line for China and could blow up the whole summit if he pushes too hard on arms sales.
It’s smart to discuss Iran with Xi, since China buys so much of their oil. Maybe we can get Beijing to lean on Tehran to stop enriching uranium.
These summits are all theater. Trump will compliment Xi, sign some photo-op deals, then go back to tweeting insults. Nothing will change.
The pension time bomb is the issue everyone keeps kicking down the road. (255ea8)
The timing is awful—North Korea is testing missiles, Russia is at war, and now Trump wants to poke the bear over Taiwan? Risky move.
I’m worried about the arms sales to Taiwan. If Trump treats it as a bargaining chip, it could embolden the separatists there and provoke Beijing.
Populism is filling a vacuum left by mainstream parties abandoning their base. (ad62cf)
Immigration policy needs a humane, evidence-based approach instead of dog whistles. (2cd291)