Paris's negotiation table hasn't cooled down yet, and Trump has already started to overturn the table, openly stating that the issue of China sending warships for escort is under discussion, and the visit to China may be delayed or canceled. The implication is clear: if China doesn't agree, he won't come.

American delegation arrived at the scene

Recently, the sixth round of Sino-US economic and trade consultations were held in Paris, with many topics on the agenda, including tariffs, rare earth supply, high-tech export controls, and agricultural product purchases. On the first day of the talks, both sides talked for six hours, and had to continue the next day. However, according to insiders, the negotiations did not result in major breakthroughs.

In fact, this was expected. Analysts had already said that the preparation time was too short, and with the US focusing on the Middle East conflict, it was unrealistic to expect a big outcome from the talks in Paris. At present, the primary goal of both sides is to maintain dialogue and avoid a breakdown in relations, rather than expecting all issues to be resolved in one negotiation.

Nevertheless, this round of negotiations was intended to pave the way for the mid-month Sino-US meeting. If the talks in Paris went well, the signing would take place in Beijing; if they didn't go well, the significance of the meeting would be greatly reduced. Looking at the current situation, the Sino-US meeting seems to have some uncertainties. At this critical moment, Trump suddenly released a "smoke bomb," once again causing controversy.

Trump interviewed

When interviewed, Trump made three key statements. First, the visit to China "may be postponed." Second, since 90% of China's oil comes through the Strait of Hormuz, China should send warships for escort. Third, he hopes to receive a response from China regarding the "escort proposal" before his visit to China.

As soon as these words came out, the whole world understood that Trump was using the visit to China as a bargaining chip, pressuring China to make concessions on the Strait of Hormuz issue. The implication was clear: if China doesn't agree, he won't come. To secure the escort, Trump resorted to such tactics, showing how desperate he was.

Oil tanker sailing in the Ras Al Khaimah Gulf, northern UAE, near the Strait of Hormuz

Currently, Trump first mentioned NATO allies, with France saying "no," Japan saying "no," Germany saying "no," and South Korea saying it would "carefully consider." The NATO side repeatedly rejected him, so he turned his attention to China. However, China's response was also very clever. When asked whether China would dispatch warships, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that China and the US are maintaining communication regarding Trump's visit to China.

On the surface, it seemed like an irrelevant answer, but in reality, it was a clear statement. Regarding the visit to China, we are communicating; regarding the escort, we don't respond. Trump wanted to use the visit to China as a bargaining chip, pressuring China to make concessions on the Middle East issue. But he forgot one thing: who really wants the visit? Currently, the US is struggling with rising oil prices, stubborn inflation, uncooperative allies, and an inability to fight in the Middle East.

Trump's visit to China during his first term

Who is seeking help, and who is being sought? The answer is obvious. After two days of talks in Paris, there was no breakthrough, but it was relatively stable. This round was intended to lay the groundwork for the meeting at the end of the month, and everyone understood. However, Trump added drama at this critical moment, using the visit to China as a bargaining chip, pressuring China to take a stance on the escort issue. The result? China's simple statement of "maintaining communication" returned the ball back to him.

Will Trump really delay or cancel the Sino-US meeting? In fact, it's highly unlikely. This is more of his "negotiation technique," using tough talk to pressure China, trying to gain an advantage in the subsequent negotiations. After all, both China and the US cannot do without each other. If the meeting were actually canceled, it would not only harm Sino-US trade relations, but the global economy would also suffer. Trump clearly knows that maintaining communication with China is in the fundamental interest of the United States. His "change of heart" is more of a "bluff."

Original: toutiao.com/article/7617783093436432936/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.