Face-Off: The U.S. vs China
Two Strongmen
Feb 11, 2025
Minxin Pei, a Claremont College professor and expert on US-China relations, joins Rana Mitter, Harvard Kennedy School's modern China specialist. They discuss Trump's complex relationship with Xi Jinping, touching on tariffs and military tensions over Taiwan. The conversation dives into the challenges of economic rivalry, AI dominance, and how Trump might strategize to counter China’s rise. They also explore Xi's leadership paradox amidst tightening global dynamics and the fate of U.S.-China ties in an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
48:13
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses the evolving dynamic between Trump and Xi, highlighting how initial diplomatic engagements gave way to adversarial tensions impacting trade and security.
- It emphasizes the current geopolitical landscape where China, facing economic challenges, may approach future negotiations with more caution and potential openness to compromise.
Deep dives
The Evolution of U.S.-China Relations
The podcast delves into the initially positive interactions between Trump and Xi Jinping during Trump's first term, highlighting a 'state visit plus' where Xi rolled out elaborate ceremonies to impress Trump. The visit included grand displays such as marching bands and a lavish private dinner at Jianfu Palace, suggesting a strategic move by Xi to establish a favorable image. However, despite the pomp, substantial policy progress did not materialize; primarily, it served to flatter Trump's ego and project China's soft power. As their relationship soured, the podcast notes the shift toward adversarial dynamics marked by a trade war and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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