Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton warned that Donald Trump’s upcoming summit with China’s Xi Jinping could have major implications for Taiwan, the South China Sea and U.S. security, but said the best outcome might be a photo opportunity.
Bolton said Trump tends to announce agreements before staff work out their details, while he characterized China as prolonging negotiations and pressing for concessions. He said agreements should be judged only after they become operational. Reuters reported that Chinese officials are seeking changes to Washington’s longstanding position on Taiwan and an end to U.S. arms sales; U.S. officials and lawmakers have voiced concern about any reduction in American support.
Bolton rejected calls for U.S.-China cooperation on AI, calling it a “fool’s errand” and saying Washington should focus on China’s economic and strategic goals in the AI race. He also cited public reports that China and Russia had provided Iran intelligence about U.S. bases and troop positions, and said he hoped Trump would raise the issue with Xi.
