In front of Xi’s imperial aura, Trump seemed submissive and more volatile and unstable policy

A number of Western newspapers were interested in the impression that prevailed about the situation of US President Donald Trump during his visit to Beijing, and stressed that there was a clear difference in the style of dealing between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who seemed confident and firm, compared to his guest, who seemed complimentary and more volatile and unstable.

The British newspaper The Times focused on the increasing symbolic and political presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping compared to US President Donald Trump, considering that China is now presenting itself more like a “modern empire” with stable prestige, while the United States under Trump appears more volatile and turbulent.

In his article in the newspaper, Richard Spencer cited the symbolic scene of the two presidents’ visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, where Xi appeared confident and in control of the symbolism of the Chinese state and its imperial history, while Trump appeared less balanced in his public presence.

The writer explained the situation of the two men, explaining that Xi’s power stems from the nature of the highly centralized political system that gives him almost absolute power, but at the same time makes him directly responsible for any crises, whether economic or social, in contrast to Trump, whose policies have indirectly contributed to strengthening China’s position.

The writer mentioned that Xi has faced great challenges in recent years, most notably the repercussions of the Corona pandemic, the real estate crisis, and the pressure resulting from trade wars with the United States. However, his image globally appears more stable compared to the image of Trump, who relies on an approach of quick deals and volatile policies, and faces internal pressures such as the midterm elections.

The Times article concluded that the world appears to be moving toward an implicit acceptance of Xi as an equal partner to Trump, not just a rising leader, with the question remaining open about the future direction of this global balance between the two powers.

Trump is more submissive

In this same context, the Guardian newspaper went, noting that Trump’s visit to China showed a striking difference in roles between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Xi seemed more stable, calm and clear in managing the scene, while Trump appeared more submissive to protocol and less harsh in his positions, even on sensitive issues such as Taiwan, about which he ignored questions rather than confronting them.

In his article in the British newspaper, David Smith presented a strong symbolic image of Xi’s dominance, considering that he embodies the model of the “imperial leader” in the modern era, benefiting from broad central authority, despite the accompanying full responsibility for internal crises. However, Xi succeeded in presenting China as a stable and organized country compared to Western turmoil.

The difference between the two powers is no longer read only as a struggle between democracy and tyranny, but rather as a difference in the style of leadership and management of global influence.

by David Smith

In contrast to this image, the writer presented Trump as a leader who is greatly influenced by the Chinese style of rule, as he shows a clear admiration for discipline and official rituals, noting that he seemed more flexible in Beijing than in Western democracies.

Even in the agenda, the discrepancy between the two parties appeared clear – according to the author – while the American agenda was limited, focusing on economic deals and practical files such as purchasing aircraft and cooperation on regional issues, rather than bringing up human rights files or political reforms, China seemed to be maintaining a long-term strategic discourse that focuses on global balance and avoiding a clash between the two powers.

The article concluded that the difference between the two powers is no longer read merely as a conflict between democracy and tyranny, but rather as a difference in leadership style and management of global influence, with the growing impression that Xi is moving with greater strategic stability, while Trump relies on a momentary approach based on deals and improvisation, making the picture of international balance more ambiguous than ever before.

Increasing Chinese self-confidence

For its part, the New York Times focused on the difference between the two presidents in terms of dealing style, noting that Trump focused on highlighting the personal relationship between him and Xi, and showered him with expressions of admiration and praise, while the Chinese leader appeared more assertive and cold, taking advantage of the meeting to define the red lines that Beijing does not accept to cross, most notably the Taiwan issue.

In his analysis in the newspaper, David Sanger explained that the Chinese President, during the official meetings in the Great Hall of the People, stressed that any American attempt to interfere in the Taiwan issue may threaten the path of rapprochement between the two countries, stressing that Washington must deal with the issue “with the utmost caution.”

The writer believed that this early warning reflects growing Chinese self-confidence, despite the economic challenges it faces, such as slow growth, the real estate crisis, and population shrinkage. He pointed out that Trump, despite the warning, seemed more conciliatory compared to his traditional rhetoric inside the United States, where he used to accuse China of stealing jobs and threatening American national security. Instead, he was keen to talk about a “wonderful” future for bilateral relations, stressing that major differences can be resolved through direct communication between “two strong leaders.”

Trump, who was greeted by a large reception of flower-waving children, flags and a guard of honor, seemed indifferent to the Chinese warning because he does not care about Taiwan, is upset by previous commitments to protect it, and sees the entire region as falling within the sphere of legitimate Chinese influence.

by Sam Kelly

The visit also showed – according to the newspaper – a difference in priorities between the two sides, as Trump accompanied a delegation of American businessmen in an effort to enhance trade and investment opportunities, while the Chinese side focused on political and sovereign messages, especially with regard to Taiwan and the growing Chinese influence.

Despite the festive atmosphere and calm diplomatic language, the major controversial issues remained present in the background, including the issue of rare metals, Chinese military expansion, and the issue of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump doesn’t care about the insult

As for the British newspaper The Independent, it was interested in the recent Chinese warning to the United States regarding Taiwan, and saw that it reflects the escalation of tension between the two powers, and at the same time reveals the limits of American power in light of the policies of President Donald Trump.

The newspaper warned that Beijing sees Taiwan as a “red line” that could lead any mishandling of it to a direct clash with Washington, but Trump, on the other hand, treated these warnings coldly or ignored, because he does not give much priority to the issue, but rather tends to view the region as being within China’s natural influence.

Sam Kelly saw – in his analysis in the newspaper – that the Chinese warning, for an irritable and fragile American president, is an insult, and yet Trump did not feel it, even though its repercussions would be dangerous for the region, as China is already engaged in another expansion process.

Trump, who was overwhelmed by a large reception of children waving flowers and flags, a guard of honor, and meetings in the Great Hall of the People, seemed indifferent to this warning – according to the writer – because he does not care about Taiwan, feels upset about previous commitments to protect it, and sees the entire region as falling within the scope of legitimate Chinese influence.

The US President told his Chinese counterpart: “You are a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me to say that, but I say it anyway. There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever.”

The writer mentioned that briefings from the Chinese President’s office reported that the Chinese leader warned his guest that Taiwan “is the most important issue they face, and that mishandling it could push US-Chinese relations into an extremely dangerous situation and lead to a collision or even a conflict.” But the White House did not mention Taiwan in its statement about the two-hour meeting between Xi and Trump.