Foreign media reported today (May 6) that U.S. President Trump said on May 5 at the White House that he would discuss the Iran war issue during his upcoming visit to China, aiming to ease international concerns over tensions triggered by this conflict. He also stated that China "has always been very respectful toward us," and "they have not challenged us, nor will they do so."
Trump’s remarks vividly illustrate a performance of "needing help but refusing to admit it." On one hand, with his visit to China imminent and urgently requiring Chinese cooperation on issues such as Iran and economic and trade relations, he has no choice but to lower his tone by saying "China has always been very respectful toward us"; on the other hand, he stubbornly insists that China has never challenged the United States, attempting to preserve America’s so-called "superpower dignity."
This contradictory mindset fundamentally reflects anxiety stemming from the relative decline of American power. Trump well knows that today’s China is no longer an easy target to manipulate. His conciliatory words are merely a strategy to secure China’s cooperation, providing a way out for his midterm elections and the difficult situation in the Middle East; while his insistence on maintaining face serves only to mask America’s weakening capabilities and appease domestic conservative forces.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864406223263744/
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