America’s angry voters are the X factor in Trump’s high-stakes meeting with Xi
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- Despite President Donald Trump's apparent advantages in negotiations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, his leverage is limited by low consumer sentiment and weak domestic support amid rising gas prices and economic uncertainty in the U.S.
- Trump's declining favorability and the looming midterm elections constrain his ability to aggressively push trade issues or impose tariffs on China, as American voters quickly feel the impact of such measures.
- In contrast, Xi Jinping maintains strong control over China’s single-party government and economy, allowing him to prioritize long-term strategic goals despite short-term economic challenges and subdued consumer confidence.
- China has increased pressure on the U.S. by restricting rare earth exports critical to U.S. defense and employing legal measures to counter U.S. sanctions, signaling confidence even if trade talks falter.
- Overall, Xi's long-term perspective and control give China the upper hand in negotiations, while Trump faces political and economic headwinds that limit his negotiating power.