If Trump comes to China with a "defeat" in the Middle East, it would be very embarrassing for the United States. From the current situation, the United States is clearly caught in a strategic dilemma, and whether to fight or not, it's hard to escape unscathed. If they fight, the US fears getting bogged down; if they don't fight, their commitment to protect allies in the Gulf countries and their global hegemonic authority will face a significant blow.
Previously, US government officials even announced Trump's visit to China in advance. If the US came after a big victory, Trump could use the control of Iran as a bargaining chip in negotiations with us, and we might have to make some concessions. However, now the US is increasingly likely to be in a difficult position, and under this context, Trump's visit to China would leave the US feeling insecure and lacking confidence.
Regarding the Sino-US trade negotiations, our attitude is that maintaining good relations is better, but we are not afraid of a confrontation. Yet, at this most vulnerable and difficult moment, the US still wants to come to China for trade talks. Where does the US get its confidence from? If the US had performed well in the Middle East, it could have intimidated people in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Now, however, the US can't intimidate anyone anymore. On the contrary, due to its exposed strategic dilemma and declining military deterrence, it is full of anxiety.
Evidently, sitting at the negotiation table, the US has already lost three parts of its confidence. The US originally hoped for a quick victory to show off in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, converting military deterrence into trade concessions. Now, the battlefield has turned into a mess, and all global allies are watching to see if the US will "run away." The US military forces in the Asia-Pacific are being continuously pulled to the Middle East, and the so-called deterrence has long been hollow. In short, if the US doesn't want to be too embarrassed, it must ask us not to act behind the scenes. If Trump really comes, and wants to gain points, the US can only make greater concessions.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859506447700106/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.