In Washington, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as China’s ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, makes a desperate bid to forge connections with potential Trump administration officials. After grappling with a lack of engagement from Republicans in the past, Xie has intensified his outreach efforts in recent months by hosting numerous former US officials and China experts at his residence. The stakes have been raised following Donald Trump’s election victory, as the Chinese embassy’s interactions with Democrats during Joe Biden’s presidency overshadow its previous engagement with Republicans.
- Ambassadors seeking connections with the new Trump administration:
- All ambassadors in Washington are striving to establish links with potential members of the new Trump administration.
- Beijing finds itself in a challenging position due to the reluctance of Republicans to engage with Chinese officials, driven by an increasingly hawkish stance towards China in Washington.
Former House foreign affairs committee and Senate foreign relations committee staffer, Ann Kowalewski, highlighted the prevailing skepticism on Capitol Hill regarding the efficacy of meetings with Chinese officials. The prevalent sentiment was that such meetings often devolved into routine exchanges of scripted talking points, devoid of actionable substance.
As Beijing endeavored to reconnect with Trump-era contacts through Ambassador Cui Tiankai, resistance prevailed among potential Trump officials. Dennis Wilder, former top CIA China expert, disclosed that influential Chinese Communist party members were facing difficulty securing appointments with key figures from the Trump administration.
The situation becomes even more precarious for China as Trump nominates prominent China hawks to key roles, indicating a robustly adversarial stance towards Beijing. An air of uncertainty hangs over Trump’s choice for Treasury secretary and the potential reappointment of Robert Lighthizer, posing challenges for Chinese officials closely monitoring the evolving dynamics.
In the midst of uncertainty, Chinese officials are closely scrutinizing the evolving administration landscape, cautiously pondering their next moves. The prevailing question remains, “What does Trump want?” This profound ambiguity underscores China’s urgent quest for clarity amidst a shifting political milieu.
Christopher Johnson, former top CIA China analyst, emphasized China’s growing preoccupation with economic policy, particularly tariffs. While internal debates persist in Beijing regarding the impending tariff threats from Trump, the paramount concern remains the potential economic repercussions stemming from escalating trade tensions.
The prevailing sentiment in Beijing hints at a desire to strike a deal with Trump, albeit amid a fog of ambiguity surrounding the administration’s goals. The Chinese side harbors cautious optimism, tinged with a palpable sense of wariness, as they navigate a complex and uncertain terrain.
In conclusion, Xie Feng’s relentless efforts in Washington underscore China’s strategic imperative to fortify its ties with the shifting political landscape. Amidst a climate of uncertainty and apprehension, Beijing treads cautiously, acutely aware of the critical importance of forging meaningful connections with the new Trump administration. The road ahead promises to be fraught with challenges, yet underpinned by a glimmer of hope for constructive dialogue and engagement between the two nations.
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