China becomes America’s target — Is Putin losing his main trump card?

A new phase in Washington-Beijing relations is being discussed following the latest meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump’s efforts to strengthen dialogue with China are also raising questions about the future of the Moscow-Beijing strategic partnership.

Could Moscow be concerned about Trump’s meeting with Xi?

Speaking to TodayPress TV, political scientist Ali Mustafa said that the Trump-Xi meeting could create certain problems for Moscow:

“First of all, improved relations between the two countries could create conditions for agreements to be reached on issues related to the economy, trade, artificial intelligence and Iran. This could lead to certain trump cards held by Russia being taken off the table.”

The analyst noted that this could give the United States an opportunity to make a number of demands of China:

“For example, the issue of limiting assistance and concessions provided to Russia, particularly preventing the supply of weapons and ammunition, could come onto the agenda. Given that approximately 35% of Russia’s foreign trade is linked to China, improved US-China relations could expand Washington’s ability to pressure Russia through China.

At the same time, an understanding between the United States and China could lead Beijing to postpone some of its plans concerning Russia or reduce its need to use pressure through Moscow.”

He believes that although the strategic partnership between China and Russia will continue, there are also certain contacts between Russia and the United States:

“Closer ties between China and the United States could limit Moscow’s room for maneuver. Until now, Russia has been able to use its ties with China as a certain advantage in dealing with the United States, while using its relations with the United States in relation to China. If these two countries reach an understanding on key issues, Moscow’s room for maneuver could be reduced.

If China and the United States develop common positions on a number of major issues, including geopolitical matters, Russia could be left out of certain processes. For Moscow, which is already facing serious problems amid the war in Ukraine, this could create additional difficulties.”

It should be noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Washington on an official state visit, his first such visit in more than a decade. Trump personally welcomed him with a ceremonial military display.

Jala Rovshan