Trump heads to China weakened as Xi gains leverage ahead of summit
Iran war, tariff setbacks and sliding US poll numbers reshape the balance going into next week’s high-stakes talks
While summits are mostly about foreign policy, protocol and deliverables, dynamics back home underpin the negotiations.
“There’s no question that weakness on the domestic front puts a president in a precarious position on the global stage, especially when dealing with a leader like Xi Jinping. He not only senses that weakness but works to exploit it,” said former White House global engagement director Brett Bruen.
“China has been trying to position itself as the more reasonable actor among global superpowers. So this is a prime moment for him to both try and manipulate and outmanoeuvre the other.”
Traditionally, potential weak points are outlined in exhaustive briefing materials before high-stakes meetings. Trump is not traditional and tends to favour his “gut”, although power dynamics are hardly lost on him, even if he does not acknowledge them.