China enters Xi-Trump summit with strengthened diplomatic hand, analysts say

Analysts tip a stronger hand for China ahead of Xi-Trump summit in Washington

Beijing enters this week's summit in Washington with heightened diplomatic confidence, strengthened by a wave of recent international engagement that positions China favorably ahead of high-stakes talks, according to analysts.

The meeting between the presidents of the United States and China will test whether the two powers can deliver on their commitment to pursue "constructive strategic stability," with global attention focused on the outcome.

Recent diplomatic push bolsters Beijing's position

In the weeks leading up to his Washington trip, Chinese President Xi Jinping undertook one of his most intensive overseas schedules, completing a state visit to Egypt following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This flurry of diplomatic outreach has contributed to Beijing's stronger negotiating position, experts say.

U.S. needs on Ukraine and Iran may favor China

Chinese confidence could be further reinforced by the United States' latest push to make headway on conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, according to observers. Washington may need Beijing's cooperation to help resolve these wars, analysts note, even if a near-term truce remains unlikely.

This dynamic hands Beijing additional leverage as the two leaders prepare to engage on bilateral and global issues, with China appearing to hold cards that could prove valuable to American foreign policy objectives.

Source: South China Morning Post