‘Trump, Xi and the world at stake’

This is apropos a letter to the Editor titled “Trump, Xi and the world at stake” carried by the newspaper yesterday.

In my view, Washington cannot demand respect for its own economic security while dismissing China’s. Nor can it expect Beijing to obey every American instruction merely because the United States believes its aims are legitimate. Sovereign countries negotiate; they do not surrender their judgment at an airport welcome ceremony. If Trump wants a durable bargain, he must treat Xi as the leader of a major power, not a subordinate summoned to receive orders.

Taiwan brings the danger of war into the room. Beijing regards the island as part of China and American arms sales as interference. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim and governs itself. A proposed $14 billion American arms package is stalled. Trump has called it a negotiating chip. Rubio says sales also depend on America’s own military needs and the capacity of its defence factories. Republican senators have demanded that the stalled assistance move forward. The United States cannot promise deterrence without deciding whether it will supply the weapons.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026