LRCCS Directer Ann Chih Lin speaks with Spectrum News about Trump's China visit
On May 13, Lin offered her insights on President Donald Trump's current trip to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In the interview, Lin, who is also a Kenneth G. Lieberthal and Richard H. Rogel professor of Chinese studies and associate professor of public policy and political science, addressed the possible agenda items for President Trump and President Xi's meeting including the war in Iran, the economy, political prisoners in China, and Trump's defense of Taiwan.
Screenshot from Spectrum News video
Iran / Strait of Hormuz
"China and Iran have a significant relationship, and I think if China would pressure the government of Iran, it might make a difference. It's unclear to me how far either China feels it can go in doing so, or how far the United States wants to make an issue of it."Trump–Xi Personal Relationship
"The personal relationship matters, but perhaps not in the way that we might think."
"I think if President Xi understands that President Trump is in control, he will have more confidence that the China hawks in the administration won't be directing policy. But whether or not that changes President Xi's calculations, I think is a different story."Human Rights
"Beijing has always understood that high-profile political prisoners are currency that it can use in its relationship with the United States, and is prepared to use that in some cases."Taiwan
"President Trump will not go as far on Taiwan as he might like in order to make a deal. It's not very clear that President Trump values the defense of Taiwan in particular. I think it's very clear that Secretary of State Rubio does value it, and I think that will lead to sort of a balance in the conversation."