GoKawiilTrump-Xi summit opens as US allies grow wary of joining China pressure campaign
President Trump begins two days of meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, even as years of tariffs, tech restrictions and pressure on allies have failed to isolate Beijing. China's global trade surplus is on track to hit a record $1.2 trillion in 2025, and it has expanded trade ties and rare-earth leverage worldwide while exports to the U.S. fell. Meanwhile, Trump's disputes with traditional U.S. allies over tariffs and defense spending have left some countries more hesitant to align firmly with Washington against China.
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The summit could test whether Trump can still rally allied support against China after friction with partners has weakened the coalition Washington traditionally relies on for leverage. Brookings analyst Ryan Hass suggests China is positioning itself as a stable alternative to an unpredictable U.S., which could shift how other nations balance ties between the two powers. If allies continue seeking independence from U.S. pressure, it may reduce Washington's ability to isolate China diplomatically or economically going forward.
- Trump and Xi begin two days of talks this week amid long-running U.S. pressure campaigns on China.
- China's 2025 trade surplus is projected to hit a record $1.2 trillion despite falling exports to the U.S.
- Strains with traditional U.S. allies over tariffs and defense spending may be weakening Washington's leverage against Beijing.
Source: cnbc.com — Luke Fountain, 2026-09-23
Published there as: “Trump faces Xi as strains with allies complicate U.S. pressure on China”
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