Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for a state visit after a two-week diplomatic tour, as Trump’s estrangement from US allies opens opportunities for Beijing, the analysis argues. A temporary trade-truce extension seems likely, but few expect major agreements.
A Pew Research Center survey cited in the article found that more people held a positive view of China than of the US in 27 of 36 countries surveyed. Poland was the only surveyed European country where pro-China sentiment did not prevail. Beijing has also hosted leaders from Germany, Britain, Ireland and Canada this year.
The article says China has not filled the gap left by US aid cuts: Washington reduced its development budget by 57%, while Beijing cannot match US aid or defence capacity. Chinese port calls and military exercises do not amount to a security guarantee; its partners need not defend Beijing, and China will not fight for them.
