M Santhananaban
The ceasefire in the US–Israel war against Iran is now said to be on “massive life support”. This is a much-quoted assertion from US President Donald Trump.
It simply means the US is stuck, stalemated and somewhat bewildered. Trump seems increasingly weakened both domestically and in the international arena.
The Iranians seem to be growing more confident of having their way. But Iran will need much time to recover from the damage it has suffered.
The global economy is in deep distress: inflation, disruptions in logistical and transport linkages, supply chain problems and shortages.
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The US needs a radical change of direction for the situation to improve.
All eyes on Beijing
With that as the backdrop, all eyes turned to Beijing, where Trump was received with pomp, pageantry and protocol in an elaborate fashion.
There were extensive talks and other engagements between the Chinese and US leaders, with much attention on the bilateral relationship.
The US position on Iran – a significant part of China’s supply chain lifeline – stood out like a sore thumb. The Chinese leader would not concede or compromise on Beijing’s firm commitment to Iran. Trump was stonewalled on that issue.
But the optics of a smooth and successful summit were maintained. China is a grand civilisational nation, not a white-settler country of five centuries.
Measured but modest progress
In the end, the Chinese and US leaders appeared to make notable progress in stabilising the two countries’ bilateral relations.
Trade and economic cooperation and investment formed the thrust of Trump’s approach.
The Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, had a more extensive agenda centring on Taiwan, the Strait of Hormuz and other West Asian issues.
It was a huge visit with a big agenda, but the details that have emerged suggest measured and modest, if meaningful, progress.
The Iran and Lebanon issues are clearly not back-burner matters for Beijing, and the US has to realise that. Let us see what happens.
The Chinese leaders did not capitalise on Trump’s relatively weakened position but instead gave the US the importance it deserved as a country. China always thinks long term and is not swayed by the conduct and idiosyncrasies of visiting leaders.
Trump is a passing phenomenon with an unedifying future, and the Chinese leaders had to show their magnanimity and mettle. They did so with aplomb.
Dato M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
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