On the red carpets, politicians inspected the company of honor. However, behind closed doors, ruthless tactics were used. What really happened at the meeting of the year? BILD answers the four most important questions.
Has China been given the green light to attack Taiwan?
Beijing considers the U.S.-backed, democratically run island to be part of China. The leader of the Communist Party considered the Taiwan issue to be “the most important” in US-China relations. He warned that if it was not “properly resolved”, the two countries would face “conflict”. These were the most explicit words of the summit! And Trump heard them: he said he would “consider” releasing the planned US military aid package for Taiwan worth $14 billion.
— Even the appearance of hesitation can be interpreted as Beijing's weakness, said David Sacks, an expert on China, in an interview for “Bild”. — If Trump makes aid for Taiwan a bargaining chip, it will send a dangerous signal! The risk of war may increase, he emphasized.
Will Xi really help Trump on Iran?
Trump suggested that China might be willing to help block the Strait of Hormuz oil route. He quoted Xi as saying: “He said: If I can help with anything, I will be happy to help.”
Trump also pointed to China's interests: about 40 percent. China's oil imports come from the Persian Gulf region. But doubt remains whether Xi can—or even wants to—actually force the mullahs' regime in Tehran into submission.
“China does not have the naval capacity to provide truly significant military assistance in the Strait of Hormuz,” security expert Jonathan Schroden told BILD. — But Beijing could use its influence in Tehran to get Iran to cooperate in clearing the mines and allowing the passage of merchant ships again! – said the expert.
Did Boeing really sell 200 planes?
Trump traveled to Beijing with the largest business delegation in history, including top CEOs such as Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX), Tim Cook (Apple) and Jensen Huang (Nvidia). Together, they represented the market capitalization of their companies at approximately USD 15 trillion. According to Trump, China has committed to purchasing 200 Boeing planes.
However, there was an initial lack of confirmation from Beijing. Investors even counted on ordering 500 planes. Boeing shares fell 4%. Trump also announced that China would invest “hundreds of billions of dollars” in American technology companies and purchase agricultural products. Beijing also did not comment on this decision.
Donald Trump vs. Xi Jinping. And who ultimately won?
According to China expert Sacks, both achieved their goals, with Xi winning by a slim margin: – Trump gained visuals, notoriety, and economic headlines, but Xi seemed strategically stronger because he had achieved his main goal: to present China as equal to the United States! – he said.
Trump himself even talked about “G2” — a league of two superpowers. It was this formulation that probably appealed to Beijing.
