PoliticsThe Trump-Xi summit exposes a US disadvantage in the Global South

The Trump-Xi summit highlighted Beijing’s ability to offer diplomatic cover and strategic flexibility without military entanglement, while Washington presses countries to align against China. Gulf and other Global South governments are consequently hedging between the two powers as they manage war, trade shocks and competing visions for AI rules.

TrumpXi JinpingGlobal SouthUS-China relations