Manoj Joshi's column: Trump won't get any 'big beautiful deal' from China

Trump and Xi Jinping will meet soon at the Beijing Summit. This will be Trump's first visit to China in his second term. Earlier, in October 2025, the two leaders met in Busan, South Korea. In his first term, Trump ended America's decades-old association with China. After a year-long tariff war between the two countries, Trump's visit is probably aimed at restoring relations between the two countries. America's longstanding relationship with China was based on the illusion that economic engagement with Western countries would make China more open and democratic. But the new relationship is a practical need to deal with a China that is completely under the control of the Communist Party and has become an economic and technological superpower. Undoubtedly, Trump, who is fond of pomp and show, will get a very grand welcome in China. There may be some symbolic steps and business agreements. But the emphasis will not be on eliminating competition, but on managing it. The Xi-Trump tariff agreement in Busan may be extended, but there will be no change in the rivalry between the two countries in the areas of technical, security and geopolitical influence. Taiwan is an important priority for China. Last year, Trump approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan. Other packages worth about $14 billion are also under process, including state-of-the-art missiles. China had asked the US to be careful on the issue of arms sales to Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan's opposition KMT chairperson Cheng Li-wun's recent meeting with Xi in China indicates that China has other options for Taiwan besides military options. The most likely outcome of the Xi-Trump meeting is that both sides will reiterate their positions and try to cover up the differences. Then these talks are taking place at a time when the impact of the Iran war is on the whole world and it is not likely to end by the time the two leaders meet. Of course, Iran will be a big topic in the talks, because it is a close partner of China and a large part of its oil exports go to China. Trump will probably pressure China to persuade Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. Anyway, China supports it. China will also see it from the perspective that the Iran issue has diverted America's attention from East Asia. Many analysts have already pointed out the declining relevance of the Quad. There was no summit of the Quad in 2025 and when it will take place is not even decided. However, the Quad countries are scheduled to meet in New Delhi later this month. In a recent post, Trump expressed his expectations for this visit in his own way. He himself declared that China is very happy with the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. "I'm doing this for the whole world and for them," Trump wrote. He also said that China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran. By the way, Trump's hostility towards China has not diminished, but his style has changed. When the threats failed, they are now trying a friendly and bargaining attitude. According to his style, Trump would like to present this summit as a resounding victory, in which there is a 'Big Beautiful Deal'. But China is sensible and will hardly give them a big deal as per their expectations. Trump's hostility towards China has not diminished, but his style has changed. When the threats failed, they are now trying a friendly and bargaining attitude. Trump would like to present the summit with Xi Jinping as a resounding victory. (These are the author's own views)