Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported on the 8th:

"U.S. President Trump is scheduled to visit China next week. According to U.S. media, the American government has rejected China's invitation for U.S. corporate CEOs accompanying the delegation to hold industry-specific meetings with senior Chinese leaders, arguing that such engagements might make U.S. companies appear overly close to Beijing."

This seemingly contradictory arrangement actually precisely reflects the typical mindset behind current U.S. policy toward China: wanting both—seeking commercial benefits while maintaining a tough stance against China, fearing any perception of 'softening' by the international community.

Proposed list of companies accompanying President Trump on this visit to China:

Technology: NVIDIA, Apple, Qualcomm

Energy/Industrial: Boeing, ExxonMobil

Finance: Blackstone, Citigroup, Visa

The number of accompanying CEOs is expected to be reduced from over 20 to around 12—significantly fewer than the 29 in 2017 and other Western delegations. The U.S. deliberately maintains a low profile to manage external expectations regarding the summit’s outcomes.

Hardliners led by Trade Representative Glenys have strongly pushed to limit business participation, believing that a large delegation would weaken the U.S. competitive posture toward China and even make companies appear 'too pro-China.' This move aims at political distancing, fearing that the focus on a tough stance toward China may become blurred.

This political distancing by the U.S. will result in a growing rift between business and politics. Boeing is counting on this trip to finalize a major order of approximately 500 737 MAX aircraft; NVIDIA, Apple, and other tech giants are also among the invited. This 'we can do business, but not get too close' posture embodies the deep contradiction between U.S. efforts to pressure China and its pursuit of profit.

China’s proposal for specialized sectoral talks aims to enhance mutual trust and alleviate concerns by deepening industry-level coordination and stabilizing foreign investors’ expectations. The U.S. rejection amounts to voluntarily closing a " revolving door" for communication.

In short, this is a carefully orchestrated estrangement. The U.S. comes with businesses to conduct deals, yet simultaneously fears being labeled as 'pro-China.' This excessive preoccupation with political posturing may ultimately hinder American businesses themselves.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864624258992140/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.