US President Donald Trump is expected to approach his coming summit with Xi Jinping by relying on personal chemistry and his “gut”, but his ability to charm the Chinese leader will be limited at best, analysts and former government officials in Washington said on Tuesday.
“I’ve never encountered anyone as cold blooded in their calculations of national or personal interest as Xi Jinping,” said Ryan Hass, former China director with the National Security Council during the administration of US President Joe Biden.
“And I don’t expect that that’s going to change any time soon,” added Hass, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. “He’s not emotionally soft. He’s not easily swayed by charm. And I think that we should take that into account.”
Trump downplays Taiwan dispute in China talks
Trump downplays Taiwan dispute in China talks
Trump has long touted the perceived power of his intuition, brushing aside the need for preparation or groundwork in business and state affairs, an approach he believes puts opponents on the defensive.
