Looking for leverage: China keeps close eye on US politics after summit delay
Why it matters: The Middle East war is reshaping U.S.-China power dynamics, impacting global trade and stability.
- The White House confirmed China's agreement to postpone Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, originally scheduled for late March, due to the escalating war in the Middle East.
- China has not yet commented on the delay, which comes amid reports of Chinese officials being "apoplectic" over the lack of U.S. planning for the highly choreographed summit.
- The delay is seen by Neil Thomas of the Asia Society Policy Institute as giving China leverage in trade talks, as Trump aims to avoid inflation spikes before the midterms, though Thomas notes Trump's willingness to accept economic costs for strategic priorities.
- The meeting, now likely in May, was expected to address the U.S.-China trade war, but the Middle East conflict and its impact on oil prices and U.S. public opinion (with over half disapproving of Iran strikes) will now also be on the agenda.
- Both the U.S. and China have strong interests in preventing an escalation of the trade war, with China's economy heavily reliant on exports and the U.S. facing potential inflation and unemployment if a deal isn't reached.
The White House announced a delay in President Trump's anticipated visit to Beijing, a move China has yet to officially acknowledge, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East complicates U.S. domestic and foreign policy. This postponement, potentially a relief for Beijing due to reported frustrations over U.S. planning, offers China leverage in trade talks given Trump's need for electoral success, though his unpredictability limits this advantage.
