Recent weeks have seen unexpected developments in global politics, particularly regarding a potential meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Experts in Ukraine and Europe are discussing possible outcomes of these talks and the growing influence of China on the course of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Amid speculation about a supposed Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest, focus shifted to the likely meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping during Trump’s Asian tour. Although the White House has officially announced talks, confirmation from China is still absent. Xi’s participation is considered alongside his trip to South Korea, but economic and geopolitical interests will determine whether a dialogue with the US occurs.
Main issues on the agenda include trade relations, rare earth metals, the Taiwan situation, and China’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite its declared neutrality, China is not eager to end the war in Ukraine, viewing the conflict as a chance to bolster its influence, weaken Russia, and increase Moscow’s dependence on Beijing.
Europe currently shows no unified stance in the US-China standoff, opting for increasing independence in its decisions. Experts emphasize that failure of the Trump-Xi meeting without objective reasons may signal a new crisis in bilateral relations. China’s pragmatism remains central: maintaining the status quo allows it to strengthen economic positions without risking global shocks.
