alla' Donnie's 'cards' (as he likes to bluster about) is pretty much spent ...

And the world (and not least the Chinese government) know it.
Ancillary - it might well be that the administration recognizes that Donnie is in no condition to 'negotiate' anything as intricate as a sandwich swap in a school lunchroom ... So - better bring along a bit of 'help'.

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Amishman

(5,944 posts)

10. It's more complicated than that. he has cards to play, but they would mean losing badly on other goals

Reply to stopdiggin (Reply #3)

Thu May 14, 2026, 08:05 AM

14 hrs ago

It's all about oil and codependency.

Our economies are linked. China's historical growth engine has been internal infrastructure and construction, and exports. The former is at a minimum badly suppressed (if not collapsed). So exports is what they have left, and we're their number one customer. At the the same time, we're heavily dependent on imports from China of both certain raw materials as well as finished goods. As strained as relations are, neither side can cut the cord.

At the same time, we've indirectly attacked their economy. In 2025, China imported 2 million barrels per day combined from Venezuela and Iran. China imports 11 million barrels per day total. Not only did we attack two of their biggest suppliers - suppliers that were selling to China at a discount due to sanctions, but we drove up the oil market overall in the process.

China's is incredibly pissed at Trump, and I haven't even mentioned the tariff debacle yet.

I would argue that China is the one without meaningful cards to play. They can't cut off trade with us easily, as exports are their economic lifeline right now. The one major card they have - overtly and significantly aiding Iran - they dare not play as they are dependent on the Saudis, UAE, Kuwait, and Oman for 3 million barrels per day combined. All four are firmly opposed to the current Iranian regime. (Oman is usually more neutral, but is currently firmly against Iranian demands to control the strait).

Trump has a few cards to play, such as loosening the blockade on Iranian oil, but can't play it without losing face. Same for trade policies - he can't crank down on trade with China without risking further degradation of a US economy already straining under high oil prices.

stopdiggin

(15,628 posts)

14. a far superior analysis

Reply to Amishman (Reply #10)

Thu May 14, 2026, 11:35 AM

10 hrs ago

And one that digs benefit the global 'public' perception - of a vastly weakened (near humiliated) American president.

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bottomofthehill

(9,411 posts)

4. Not even close to most

Reply to DURHAM D (Original post)

Wed May 13, 2026, 10:52 PM

23 hrs ago

There may be 4 of 21. It may only be 3

stopdiggin

(15,628 posts)

5. thanks. puts it in a relatively different light .... (in fact rather negates ... )

Reply to bottomofthehill (Reply #4)

Wed May 13, 2026, 11:13 PM

23 hrs ago

I (apparently) need to learn to not take things at face value.

Marie Marie

(11,492 posts)

6. Be willing to bet that Eric and the Tech Bros are there to shmooze and make deals to

Reply to DURHAM D (Original post)

Wed May 13, 2026, 11:24 PM

22 hrs ago

profit off of something. It's always about the money. But then that post I saw earlier made me think: That Trump can no longer travel alone and that family seems to have to accompany him in case his physical or mental health nose dives.