In Beijing, the muted but real disagreements between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping

Donald Trump began his last day in Beijing on Friday with a message on social networks claiming that Xi Jinping had congratulated him on his “numerous and tremendous successes†, and that “Relations between the two greatest world powers were good and constantly improving,†according to Channel News Asia. “However, significant differences remain regarding Iran, Taiwan and other issues… time the Singaporean television channel.

In fact, under its facade “friendly†, the summit “beats to the rhythm of the tensions, grievances and suspicions which have accumulated in recent times†, assure The Country. This will “US technological restrictions – which China perceives as an attempt to curb its development – ​​to Beijing’s ability to exert pressure by limiting exports of rare earths and other minerals essential to American industry†, explains the Spanish newspaper.

“One meeting, two reportsâ€

To be convinced of these tensions, it is enough to compare “statements issued by China and the United States†at the end of Thursday: they reveal “stark contrasts in the priorities of each party†, observe the South China Morning Post. “Washington focuses on trade, fentanyl and Iran, while Beijing emphasizes Taiwan, the stabilization of bilateral relations and Donald Trump’s compliments to President Xi Jinping†, sums up the Hong Kong title.

“One meeting, two reports, two versions of success†, écrit in écho The Straits Times. “Both Beijing and Washington seem to have emerged from the meeting between Trump and Xi claiming progress. However, their official accounts reveal surprisingly divergent views of what mattered most… – to their leaders but also to their citizens.

“Both parties left with enough elements to present this summit as a victory to their national public opinion, without exposing themselves to criticism for having sold out national interests… analyzes Singaporean daily life.

“Beijing was able to highlight the ‘strategic stability of its relations, while Washington highlighted concrete economic gains as well as an apparent alignment on the Iranian issue.â€

Iranian question

The Iranian question, in fact, is a good example of the difference in approach of the two countries. In its briefing, the White House described the United States and China “as being aligned with the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and keep it free of Iranian tolls†, relave The New York Times. And in an interview with Fox News, Donald Trump has claimed that “the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, had offered to help ensure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz…

“President Xi would like to see a deal come to fruition. He would like to see a deal done. And he actually made an offer. He said: ‘If I can be of any help, I would be happy to help’†, a confié M. Trump.

More “the Chinese government’s own account of the meeting does not directly mention the Iranian issue†, underlines Time. He limits himself to noting, in vague terms, that the two presidents have “exchanged their views on major international and regional issues, such as the situation in the Middle East, the Ukrainian crisis and the Korean Peninsula†, according to China Daily.

Taïwan passée sous silence par Washington

Conversely, the White House report is completely silent “Beijing’s insistence that the Taiwan issue, if mishandled, would risk jeopardizing the entire relationship†Sino-American, underlines the Straits Times.

“US officials and politicians feared that Mr Trump would give in to pressure from Mr Xi and deviate from his policies towards Taiwan… but in light of the White House summary, “It seems that this was not the case†.

But for the New York Times, “The real test of how these two men measure their differences could come Friday morning†during meetings in smaller committees, because “this is the type of session that [le président américain] loves above all, from leader to leader… “And once he leaves Chinese airspace, it is very likely that he will present his preferred version of the interviews… quips the American daily newspaper.