The once seemingly strong and friendly relationship between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken a turn for the worse in recent years. What was once described as a “special relationship” between the two leaders has now soured, with tensions rising on multiple fronts.
One of the main reasons for the deterioration of the relationship between Trump and Xi Jinping is the ongoing trade war between the two countries. The Trump administration has accused China of unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers. In response, the US has imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods, leading to retaliatory measures from China.
The trade war has not only damaged the economies of both countries, but has also strained their diplomatic relations. Both leaders have exchanged harsh words and threats, with Trump even referring to Xi Jinping as an “enemy” in a recent speech. This has created a tense atmosphere between the two countries, making it difficult for them to find common ground on trade and other issues.
Another factor contributing to the deterioration of the Trump-Xi relationship is the ongoing tensions over human rights and democracy in China. The Trump administration has been critical of China’s human rights record, particularly in relation to its treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and its crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. These issues have put a strain on the relationship between the two leaders, as Trump has been vocal in his criticism of China’s actions.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further strained the relationship between Trump and Xi Jinping. The Trump administration has blamed China for the spread of the virus, accusing the country of withholding information and failing to contain the outbreak. This has led to increased tensions between the two countries, with Trump threatening to cut ties with China and impose further sanctions.
Overall, the “special relationship” between Trump and Xi Jinping has soured due to a combination of factors, including the trade war, human rights issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic. As tensions continue to rise between the two countries, it remains to be seen how their relationship will evolve in the coming months and years.