For Xi, Trump’s Embrace of War Proves China Needs More Power
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, including the killing of its supreme leader, reinforce Chinese leader Xi Jinping's belief in the supremacy of hard power.
- Xi has long advocated for building a formidable military, termed a “Great Wall of Steel,” to deter U.S. aggression and maintain peace on China’s terms.
- The aggressive use of military force by former President Trump has heightened China's urgency to strengthen its military capabilities amid concerns over U.S. interventions in allied countries like Iran and Venezuela.
- Despite concerns over U.S. actions, Chinese officials do not expect the U.S. to target Xi directly due to China's nuclear status, yet they continue to view the U.S. as their most significant strategic threat.
