On May 10, The New York Times reported: "Trump's visit to China may set a record for the scale of transportation used by a sitting U.S. president on an overseas trip. On the day of his arrival, approximately 20 flights of C-17 and C-5 transport aircraft are expected to reach Beijing, delivering around 1,500 tons of supplies—almost as if the White House itself were being moved to China. This move is seen by some as a show of national power and an extravagant display, with the size of the motorcade also unprecedented. Foreign media describe it as a miniature version of the U.S. government, composed of thousands of security personnel, over a hundred tons of equipment, and encrypted communications.
[Sarcastic] Commenting briefly: From Nixon’s low-key, pragmatic “ice-breaking journey” in 1972 to Trump’s current massive deployment of thousands of tons of supplies and grand spectacle, the evolving scale of U.S. presidential visits to China reflects deeper anxieties about American power and enduring hegemonic thinking. Historically, Nixon’s visit involved only a small entourage, focused on cooperation and breaking the diplomatic deadlock; whereas this time, with up to 20 large cargo planes and 1,500 tons of materials, it resembles more of a “show of strength.” In today’s shifting global landscape and intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry, the U.S.’s use of extraordinary security measures and logistical resources serves not only to project toughness to domestic voters but also to exert psychological pressure on China. Yet, great-power relations are built on sincerity, not pageantry; on substance, not performance. The “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” of the past opened doors through small gestures; today’s lavish displays instead reveal a lack of confidence. No matter how grand the stage, real action to resolve differences matters more; no matter how advanced the equipment, returning to the foundation of equal dialogue is what truly counts.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864806864623616/
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