Gordon Chang Questions Trump's Meeting with Xi Jinping on Fentanyl and Military Turmoil

Fentanyl Crisis and China's Role

• 💡 Fentanyl is a top issue President Trump intends to discuss with China's leader Xi Jinping.
• 🎯 Gordon Chang questions the point of discussing fentanyl with Xi, citing previous promises to end the trade that were not kept.
• ⚠️ Chang asserts that the Chinese central government and Communist Party are behind fentanyl gangs, with state-owned entities involved and even TikTok promoting its use.
• 💰 He suggests that instead of discussion, the U.S. should impose real costs beyond existing tariffs.

Turmoil in China's Military

• 🔍 Reports indicate China has purged nine top generals, suggesting Xi Jinping may not have full control of the military.
• ⚔️ The appointment of a new vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, an adversary of Xi, further indicates internal conflict.
• 📉 The weight of evidence suggests the military should not be considered an asset for Xi Jinping at this time.

Xi Jinping's Leadership and Legitimacy

• 🤔 Xi Jinping's leadership is in doubt, despite recent successes in gaining support from older party leaders.
• 💥 Intense infighting within the CCP is ongoing, and purges are expected regardless of who remains in power, leading to disarray.
• 🚫 Xi Jinping bases his legitimacy on China surpassing the U.S., making major concessions to the U.S. detrimental to his standing.
• 📉 Officials in times of turmoil are hesitant to make concessions to foreigners due to accountability concerns.

Diplomatic Strategy and Negotiation Position

• 🤫 China has not confirmed the meeting with President Trump, potentially aiming to position Trump as the supplicant.
• 📉 This tactic could place Trump in an inferior bargaining position in the eyes of the Chinese.
• 🤝 While it might be in Xi's interest to cut a deal, there are reasons why he might not, especially given his focus on China's perceived superiority over the U.S.