The Intelligence from The Economist
Trump’s fickle, Xi’s pickle: the dynamic driving US-China tensions
Apr 17, 2025
David Rennie, the Geopolitics editor at The Economist, John Fasman, a senior culture correspondent, and Hannah Vioke, a migration writer, discuss the contrasting negotiation styles of Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, revealing the complexities of US-China tensions. They delve into the tragic crisis of migrant deaths in Spain, uncovering the strain on morgues and affected families. Also, they explore the unexpected revival of pinball, celebrating its nostalgic charm while highlighting its growth as a competitive sport. Insights abound in this engaging conversation.
24:57
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Quick takeaways
- The contrasting negotiation styles of Xi Jinping's quiet power projection and Trump's unpredictable approach exacerbate US-China tensions, impacting global markets.
- The humanitarian crisis in Spain due to rising migrant fatalities underscores the urgent need for effective migration management and support systems.
Deep dives
The Human Cost of Migration
The increasing number of migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings to Spain highlights a humanitarian crisis, marked by a surge in fatalities. In the previous year alone, over 60,000 migrants reached Spanish shores, leading to approximately 10,000 deaths, pushing Spanish morgues to capacity. As bodies accumulate, small islands struggle with insufficient resources to manage the aftermath, resulting in significant delays in processing and morally complex decisions about unmarked burials. This crisis sheds light on the larger issues surrounding migration, as countries grapple with the realities of inadequate systems and the pressing need for effective solutions.
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