History, ideology, and realism all contribute to the perception that Trump’s recent mention of the G-2 is just a U.S. “trap.”
U.S. President Trump wrote a one-line post on social media – “THE G2 WILL BE CONVENING SHORTLY!” – moments before heading into his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on October 30 in South Korea. Many in the West, including in the United States, thought this reference to China and the U.S. together setting the agenda for global governance would delight reputation-conscious Beijing.
It is indeed true that the term “G-2” carries “heavy historical baggage” for China-U.S. relations. “Trump’s use of the once-discarded term has come at a time when observers and analysts, including those advising Beijing, are deciphering his administration’s China policy, which has yet to crystallize in the face of a more assertive Chinese government,” wrote the Associated Press world politics columnist Didi Tang.
Continue Reading on The Diplomat
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.