{"id":42894,"date":"2025-02-27T23:25:20","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T23:25:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/?p=42894"},"modified":"2025-02-27T23:25:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T23:25:20","slug":"trump-xi-good-friends-reshaping-international-relations-economic-stability-over-conflicts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/trump-xi-good-friends-reshaping-international-relations-economic-stability-over-conflicts\/","title":{"rendered":"TRUMP XI GOOD FRIENDS &#8211; Reshaping International Relations -Economic Stability over Conflicts ?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-42896\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Trump-Xi-China-USA.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Trump-Xi-China-USA.jpg 500w, https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Trump-Xi-China-USA-300x197.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>By Qamar Bashir<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For decades, the United States has led global efforts to counter China\u2019s influence, positioning it as its most formidable geopolitical adversary while pressuring its allies to align their policies toward China in accordance with U.S. interests.<\/p>\n<p>This strategy has ensured that any country at odds with the U.S. would face collective Western opposition. However, in a surprising shift, President Donald Trump has taken a diametrically opposite approach\u2014one that prioritizes economic collaboration and diplomatic stability over escalating tensions.<\/p>\n<p>His remarks following his first cabinet meeting on February 26, 2025, reflect a commitment to pragmatic engagement with China rather than escalating rivalry. In his statement, he highlighted his strong relationship with President Xi Jinping and expressed his commitment to fostering mutually beneficial economic ties.<\/p>\n<p>His exact words were: \u201cI have a great relationship with President Xi. I\u2019ve had a great relationship with him.\u201d \u201cWe want them to come in and invest. I see so many things saying that we don\u2019t want China in this country\u2014that\u2019s not right. We want them to invest in the United States. That\u2019s good, that\u2019s a lot of money coming in, and we\u2019ll invest in China. We\u2019ll do things with China. The relationship we\u2019ll have with China would be a very good one.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see all of these phony reports that we don\u2019t want that money; we don\u2019t want anything to do with them\u2014that\u2019s wrong. We\u2019re going to have a good relationship with China, but they won\u2019t be able to take advantage of us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>During the said media address, while replying to a nasty question, quote, Is it also your policy that as long as you are president, China will never take Taiwan by force?\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"Db6C03YdGO\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-june-july-2024\/\">Pakistan in the World \u2013 June\/July 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Pakistan in the World \u2013 June\/July 2024&#8221; &#8212; Pakistan In the World\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-june-july-2024\/embed\/#?secret=AkuQ6soDJ6#?secret=Db6C03YdGO\" data-secret=\"Db6C03YdGO\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-g-rec td-g-rec-id-content_inline tdi_2 td_block_template_1 \">\n<div id=\"aswift_12_host\">President Trump\u2019s refused to be drawn into a reckless or inflammatory declaration on the sensitive Taiwan issue. He said, \u201cI never comment on that. I don\u2019t comment on any [military strategy] because I don\u2019t want to ever put myself in that position. And if I said it, I certainly wouldn\u2019t be saying it to you. I\u2019d be saying it to other people, maybe people around this table and very specific people around this table.\u201d<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>This response disrupted efforts to escalate tensions, disappointing those who seek to fuel conflict between China and the U.S. for political or economic gain as they thrive on conflict, tension, and instability.<\/p>\n<p>President Trump\u2019s approach signaled that his administration will navigate the Taiwan issue carefully, with restraint, justly, and fairly without escalating tension.<\/p>\n<p>Trump\u2019s recalibrated approach toward China is in stark contrast to the prevailing sentiment among U.S. congressmen, senators, and many hawkish policymakers, media elites, and analysts. There hostility towards China became particularly evident during the Congressional and Senate hearings for President Trump\u2019s nominees, where China was repeatedly and viciously framed as the primary rival of the United States across nearly all strategic domains.<\/p>\n<p>His statement represents a 180-degree shift toward a more pragmatic, balanced, and constructive U.S.-China relationship, rooted in common sense and mutual benefit while prioritizing economic cooperation and diplomatic engagement over unnecessary hostility.<\/p>\n<p>His words\u2014grounded in practicality and strategic foresight\u2014have resonated globally, bringing relief to nations that depend on Chinese trade, investment, and infrastructure projects while fostering a more predictable and stable engagement with the United States.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"3zx3DKi269\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-aug-sep-2024\/\">Pakistan in the World \u2013 Aug \/ Sep 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Pakistan in the World \u2013 Aug \/ Sep 2024&#8221; &#8212; Pakistan In the World\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-aug-sep-2024\/embed\/#?secret=gaOeZhQFvb#?secret=3zx3DKi269\" data-secret=\"3zx3DKi269\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Most importantly, his pragmatic remarks have reassured global markets by signaling a more stable and predictable trade environment between the two economic superpowers and the rest of the world. This shift is expected to help reestablish disrupted global supply chains, facilitate smoother and faster trade negotiations, and eliminate trade and investment distortions, ultimately paving the way for greater economic stability, cooperation, and global prosperity.<\/p>\n<p>For nations reliant on Chinese infrastructure projects and funding, this diplomatic recalibration provides reassurance that they will not face U.S. reprisals for maintaining economic ties with China. It also relieves them from the delicate task of balancing relations with both the U.S. and China, allowing them to engage in economic partnerships without fear of geopolitical consequences.<\/p>\n<p>While some may view this shift as unexpected, President Trump\u2019s remarks align closely with his previous statements about China and President Xi Jinping. His longstanding stance has been rooted in pragmatism and economic realism, as reflected in his past remarks.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>In a 2024 interview with Politico, President Trump stated:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>\u201cLook, I want China to do great; I do. And I like President Xi a lot; he was a very good friend of mine during my term.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Similarly, in a 2020 interview, he highlighted the strength of U.S.-China relations, saying:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>\u201cOur relationship with China has now probably never been better. He\u2019s for China, I\u2019m for the U.S., but other than that, we love each other.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>In another interview, he described President Xi as:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>\u201cA brilliant guy.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"VuW2khS8Td\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-february-2025\/\">Pakistan in the World \u2013 February 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Pakistan in the World \u2013 February 2025&#8221; &#8212; Pakistan In the World\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-february-2025\/embed\/#?secret=ehVqb0WX4r#?secret=VuW2khS8Td\" data-secret=\"VuW2khS8Td\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>These statements confirm that President Trump\u2019s diplomatic approach to China has been consistent\u2014maintaining an open line of communication with global leaders while protecting U.S. interests. This strategic balance ensures stability in international relations, preventing unnecessary economic and military confrontations.<\/p>\n<p>President Trump\u2019s latest remarks indicate a desire for constructive relations with China, but they do not suggest unilateral concessions. His statements emphasize that the U.S. will continue economic engagement with China while ensuring that trade relations remain fair and mutually beneficial. This aligns with President Xi\u2019s own vision of creating a \u201cwin-win\u201d global economy where competition and cooperation can coexist without exploitation or undue advantages.<\/p>\n<p>President Xi has long promoted the belief that the world is large enough for all nations to prosper together. President Trump\u2019s shift from a confrontational stance to a diplomatic and economic one complements this perspective.<\/p>\n<p>Rather than fostering division, this approach seeks to enhance global stability by focusing on trade, investment, and diplomatic relations. By recognizing China\u2019s economic importance while maintaining U.S. lead in trade and diplomacy, this approach has the potential to reshape international relations, prioritizing economic stability over conflict.<\/p>\n<p>As the world watches the evolving engagement between the United States and China, it remains to be seen how this strategic realignment will unfold in the coming years.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>The author is Former Press Secretary to the President (Rtd), Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France, Former MD, SRBC<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"Rrz0nVovd2\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-january-2024\/\">Pakistan in the World \u2013 January 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Pakistan in the World \u2013 January 2024&#8221; &#8212; Pakistan In the World\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-january-2024\/embed\/#?secret=d4f6OumSAa#?secret=Rrz0nVovd2\" data-secret=\"Rrz0nVovd2\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Qamar Bashir For decades, the United States has led global efforts to counter China\u2019s influence, positioning it as its most formidable geopolitical adversary while pressuring its allies to align their policies toward China in accordance with U.S. interests. This strategy has ensured that any country at odds with the U.S. would face collective Western [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42896,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[100],"tags":[54,2487,2065,57,122,2064],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42894"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42894"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42894\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42898,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42894\/revisions\/42898"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42896"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42894"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42894"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42894"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}