US-China: Carving up the World
Unlike the UN with all its flaws and complications, Trump and Xi’s negotiations will shape the world order because of their unmatched economic, technological, and military leverage.
The recent United Nations gathering highlighted Donald Trump's rejection of the institution's core principles, suggesting he may "annihilate" Iran and keeping Venezuela's oil. Despite this, Trump displayed a positive attitude towards Ukraine and its President Zelensky, praising their military success against Russia. The UN was overshadowed by a more significant meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which will shape the world order due to their economic, technological, and military power.
The talks covered AI regulations, Taiwan, Iran, potential sanctions on China's oil purchases, North Korea, critical minerals, rare earths, semiconductors, a delayed $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, and China's commitment to buying American oil, agricultural products, and planes. China's biggest bargaining chip is rare earths and critical minerals, crucial to modern electronics, weaponry, and clean energy systems.
China also holds geopolitical leverage due to its relationships with Iran and Russia. In contrast, America's main leverage is access to its massive market, advanced semiconductors, and related technologies. America delayed arms sales to Taiwan to please Beijing, which in return allowed the US to sell China more oil, defense, aviation, and farm products.
China's recent efforts to reduce oil and gas purchases from Russia and Iran have kept prices low, to America's advantage. Trump prefers one-sided demands and doesn't collaborate with traditional allies, while Xi has been actively building alliances and institutions to deepen China's influence globally. Both leaders are negotiating safety measures to prevent catastrophic misuse of technology.
Trump downplays AI advancements, while Xi is actively expanding his influence through various initiatives.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
