In this American Spectator article, Jed Babbin argues that the cordial optics of President Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping did little to hide the reality that America and China are locked in a dangerous second Cold War.
- Babbin contrasts Trump’s dramatic style with the relatively quiet summit in Beijing, suggesting the lack of visible fireworks may have masked serious unresolved tensions.
- The article says Trump and Xi discussed trade, the Iran war, the Strait of Hormuz, and Taiwan, but there were no major breakthroughs.
- China reportedly continues restricting rare-earth metal shipments to the United States, a key pressure point because those materials are critical for everything from phones to fighter aircraft.
- Babbin argues China gave no meaningful concessions on trade, contracts, or investment, reinforcing his view that Beijing is playing a long, hard game against Washington.
- On Iran, Trump and Xi reportedly agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open, but Babbin doubts China can be trusted to stop aiding Tehran.
- The article raises concerns that freight traffic between Beijing and Tehran could be used to move missiles, drones, or other military supplies.
- Babbin says Taiwan remains the central flashpoint, especially after Xi warned that the issue could lead to “clashes and even conflicts” between the two powers.
- The author criticizes Trump’s noncommittal posture on Taiwan and warns that backing away from a proposed $14 billion arms sale would hand Xi a major victory.
- Babbin concludes that the summit was not necessarily a failure, but it clarified China’s intentions and put Trump’s next moves on Taiwan under intense scrutiny.
Read the full story: https://spectator.org/the-second-cold-war-comes-into-focus/
