A commentary published by The Japan Times on 2026-05-12 says Donald Trump’s visit to China this week is unlikely to produce a major breakthrough because Washington and Beijing remain locked in deep rivalry. [1]
The commentary says relations turned acrimonious after the first Trump administration’s 2017 U.S. National Security Strategy labeled China a "revisionist power" that could "shape a world antithetical to U.S. values and interests." [1]
Since then, the two countries have fought trade and technology wars, the commentary says, and have stood on opposite sides of conflicts in Europe and the Middle East since 2022. [1]
It says China under Xi Jinping aims to displace American technological leadership, dominate advanced manufacturing and expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific. [1]
The commentary also says Trump is returning to China after about 8½ years. [1]
With the trip taking place this week, the commentary frames expectations for any talks as limited rather than transformative. [1]
