Donald Trump naively believes he has signed “fantastic” and “excellent” trade deals with China.
« We have concluded fantastic commercial agreements, excellent for both our countries », said Donald Trump without further precision on the occasion of a new meeting with his counterpart Xi Jinping at Zhongnanhai, a complex housing top Chinese leaders near the Forbidden City.
For his part, Xi Jinping welcomed the establishment of a new relationship of “constructive strategic stability” between the two rival powers, made public by the Chinese the day before the summit. “This is a historic visit that will be remembered,” said Xi Jinping. Xi Jinping and Donald Trump have now agreed to designate Sino-American relations as a “relationship of constructive strategic stability,” according to Chinese diplomacy.
Beijing calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East
After two days of state visit, marked by global and bilateral tensions despite the splendor and friendliness, Donald Trump left with what he considered encouraging words from Xi Jinping on the crisis in the Middle East. Xi Jinping forcefully declared that he will not provide military material to Iran, Trump said in an interview with Fox News. Concerning the Strait of Hormuz, “He said: ‘If I can be of any help, I will be happy to help’,” reassured Donald Trump.
Beijing demanded a complete ceasefire in the Middle East on Friday and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible,” in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the sidelines of the summit. The ministry stated that the conflict “should never have happened” and that China will continue to play a “constructive role” in peace efforts. The statement does not indicate a change in China’s position.
Potential purchase of American oil?
Donald Trump also reported the promise of a purchase, made by his host according to him, of 200 “large” Boeing aircraft. It is significant, but less than the order for 500 single-aisle 737 MAX aircraft and about a hundred large aircraft (787 Dreamliner and 777) mentioned by the press for months.
He assured that China wanted to buy American oil and agricultural products, without giving numbers. China is a strategic and essential economic partner for Iran, which dedicates the vast majority of its oil exports to the country. It is directly affected by the near closure, due to Iranian and American blockades, of the Strait of Hormuz through which a large part of its oil acquisitions from Iran and other Gulf countries pass.
On Thursday, during the summit in Beijing, Iran announced that its forces had allowed several Chinese ships to pass through. Washington would like to see Beijing use its influence over Tehran to contribute to a resolution of the crisis in the Gulf. While engaging diplomatically, Beijing has so far shown great restraint.
