The White House officially announced the time of the China-US meeting, but the outside world remained notably silent. Not only did China remain quiet, but even the host country, South Korea, stayed completely silent. It is worth noting that a single sentence from Trump also revealed that he has no confidence at all.

White House Spokesperson Caroline Levet

White House Spokesperson Caroline Levet officially announced to the public that the China-US summit will take place in Gyeongju on October 30, and it will be the closing event of Trump's Asian tour. However, China immediately announced its participation in the APEC Summit, but said nothing about the China-US meeting. Moreover, even the host country, South Korea, remained silent without a word.

This unilateral announcement by the White House about the China-US summit differs from international diplomatic conventions. Usually, such important meetings are jointly announced after both sides reach an agreement. In addition, the unusual reactions from both China and South Korea have caused doubts among the outside world, with suspicion that Trump might be attempting to boost his support rate by showcasing diplomatic achievements for domestic political purposes.

This is not a wild guess. Looking at Trump's consistent behavior, he is very skilled at displaying his advantage in international relations by talking about matters that are not yet confirmed. This approach is particularly evident in his dealings with China. Take this China-US summit as an example, Trump had already been boasting about it more than a month ago.

Trump will depart for Malaysia on the evening of the 24th

However, ironically, before China made any statement, Trump himself was actually uncertain. Because just a day before the White House announced, Trump said in an interview that the meeting might not take place. Trump's repeated "changes of mind" have led to low trust in his statements among the outside world.

Compared to the White House's high-profile announcement, China's silence stands out notably. China's "non-response" is not a passive avoidance, but an embodiment of strategic composure. The statement by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jia Kun on the "importance of summit diplomacy" actually sends a clear signal: China does not accept the US's "agenda hijacking."

US Treasury Secretary interviewed before departure

China has repeatedly emphasized that a meeting without strategic mutual trust may merely be formal rather than substantive. Negotiations require prior preparation, and cannot just talk about wanting to meet with China while continuously sanctioning China. It is worth mentioning that, at the same time the White House released the news of the China-US summit, the China-US trade delegation had already departed for Malaysia to start a new round of negotiations.

However, although the US appears to be proactive about the Malaysia negotiations, it has not mentioned any specific measures to respond to China's core concerns. Before achieving substantial progress on key issues, China will not be led by the US's "announcement rhythm." China's silence essentially reflects the diplomatic practice of "seeking equality through strength." If the US continues to negotiate with a superior attitude, there would be no need for subsequent meetings.

The ASEAN Summit is about to begin

Analysts also believe that a meeting requires corresponding political foundation. High-level communication between China and the US is not simply about "inviting someone for a meal." First, both sides need to create a good atmosphere for the meeting, and achieve some results to give the meeting a certain political basis. However, the current actions of the US clearly contradict this requirement.

China's attendance at the APEC Summit indeed offers the possibility of a meeting, but even if the meeting takes place, it may not lead to significant breakthroughs. To some extent, Trump's fickle attitude actually reflects his lack of confidence in the negotiation outcome. South Korea's silence is also due to its observation of China's response. Trump's eagerness, China's calmness, and South Korea's awkwardness together outline the complex picture of the current China-US relationship.

Interestingly, the tactics of China and the US are completely different. The US is accustomed to disturbing the opponent's rhythm with tactical moves, trying to gain advantages through short-term gains; whereas China focuses on the long term, seeks initiative, and is more willing to play openly. Regardless of whether the meeting scheduled at the end of the month takes place as planned, the competition between China and the US will continue, and China has already shown sufficient confidence and capability to deal with various situations.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7564686206274798134/

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