What Trump Doesn’t Understand About Xi
The Chinese leader cares very little about personal rapport.
TL;DR
- President Trump's strategy of relying on personal rapport with Xi Jinping is based on a misunderstanding of Xi's character and political style.
- Xi Jinping is portrayed as a patient, calculating leader who operates on decades-long timelines, often surprising opponents with unexpected actions.
- Trump's attempts at unpredictability have been met with Xi's strategic patience, leading to outcomes where Xi has often surprised Trump.
- Xi has demonstrated a ruthless pragmatism, jettisoning even long-term associates for perceived malfeasance, showing little regard for personal relationships.
- The article contrasts the American political style of personal charisma with Xi's upbringing in a system that discouraged openness, suggesting a fundamental difference in how they approach leadership.
- Xi views the U.S. as declining and China as ascendant, believing time is on his side and therefore has no need for rushed deals with Trump.