Xi to Trump "Don't Let the Hawks Wreck Our Trade Boat!"

Xi’s Message to Trump: Rein In the Hawks Threatening the US-China Trade Truce

In a recent phone call with President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping employed a compelling maritime analogy to address the increasingly fragile US-China trade truce. The call, lasting 90 minutes, highlighted growing concerns in Beijing that hardliners within the Trump administration are actively working to undermine the progress made towards resolving the ongoing trade war.

According to reports, Xi likened the relationship between the United States and China to a large ship. He portrayed himself and President Trump as the captains, responsible for steering the vessel and maintaining a steady course. However, the analogy carried a distinct warning: "Do not let others steer the ship off course and jeopardize the relationship."

This plea underscores China's anxiety over what it perceives as escalating punitive economic measures from the US. The White House had reportedly been pushing for a direct conversation between the two leaders, culminating in Mr. Xi agreeing to the call "at Mr. Trump’s behest," according to Chinese state media. This willingness to engage directly may stem from a fear that "China hawks" within the US administration are gaining ground, successfully sabotaging the trade truce.

The key points from Xi Jinping's message can be summarized as follows:

• The US-China relationship is crucial and needs careful management.
• Both leaders must actively prevent disruptions and sabotage.
• Escalating economic pressure threatens the stability of the trade truce.

The context surrounding this call is critical. For weeks, the United States has been increasing pressure on Beijing through various technology and other restrictions. This has fueled concerns in China that a faction within the Trump administration is deliberately attempting to derail negotiations and escalate the trade war. The readout from the Chinese government emphasized that the two leaders needed to “steer clear of various disturbances or even sabotage.”

This maritime analogy, while seemingly simple, carries significant weight. It highlights the shared responsibility both leaders bear in navigating the complex waters of the US-China relationship. Whether President Trump will heed Xi's warning and rein in the perceived "hawks" remains to be seen. The future of the trade truce, and indeed the broader relationship between the two global superpowers, may well depend on it.

The call and Xi's message serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required to manage the US-China relationship. It's a call for collaboration, a plea to avoid the pitfalls of internal political pressures, and ultimately, a hope for a stable and mutually beneficial future. Only time will tell if this message will resonate and translate into concrete action.

Tags: US-China, Trade war, Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, Trade truce, Maritime analogy, China hawks, US relations, Economic measures, International trade

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/06/world/asia/xi-trump-tariffs-truce.html