"Beyond the pageantry, this week's China summit seems set to underscore the strategic setbacks facing Mr. Trump as he struggles for a way to end the Iran war. Mr. Trump is entering the summit with the economy at the top of his agenda. Analysts have predicted announcements about agricultural and airplane purchases by China, along with an extension of the trade war truce that President Xi Jinping and Mr. Trump reached last fall."
"But the Iran war means that Mr. Trump has arrived in China at a weakened geopolitical moment, smarting from a shaky cease-fire and Iran's refusal to ease energy prices by reopening the Strait of Hormuz. And it adds to China's potential negotiating leverage, given that some analysts see Beijing as having the influence to push Iran toward a deal that would be acceptable to Mr. Trump if Mr. Xi chooses to play ball."
"The White House has said the summit will aim to refocus U.S.-China relations on rebuilding the safety, security and prosperity of Americans. But the Iran war means that Mr. Trump has arrived in China at a weakened geopolitical moment, smarting from a shaky cease-fire and Iran's refusal to ease energy prices by reopening the Strait of Hormuz."
"The question is, is Trump willing to pay whatever price Beijing puts on Chinese cooperation on the Iran issue? Mr. Medeiros said in a briefing for reporters arranged by the Asia Group consultancy, where he is a senior adviser. Evan Medeiros, a former senior adviser on Asia to President Barack Obama, said that Chinese officials were acutely aware that Mr. Trump's desire for an Iran peace deal presented Beijing with a substantial source of leverage."
Trump framed U.S. strength in the Iran conflict to Americans, but the view from Beijing is less favorable. The China summit is expected to focus on economic priorities such as agricultural and airplane purchases and extending a trade war truce. The White House aims to rebuild U.S.-China relations around American safety, security, and prosperity. The Iran war weakens Trump’s geopolitical position due to a shaky cease-fire and Iran’s refusal to ease energy prices by reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say China may influence Iran toward a deal acceptable to Trump, increasing Beijing’s negotiating leverage. The key issue is whether Trump will accept the price China demands for cooperation.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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