Xi Jinping may use influence on Putin to negotiate with Trump — political scientist

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

“There are undoubtedly points of contact between the U.S. and China. Currently, China holds a strong position as it appears that Trump needs Xi Jinping’s support to pressure Putin into a peace agreement. The Chinese leader might use Trump’s interest in his assistance to negotiate concessions. If Xi is genuinely willing to help the U.S. president, it would signal a constructive stance from the Chinese side, potentially easing tensions in a hypothetical trade war,” Likhachov explained.

According to the political scientist, Donald Trump views China as a competitor, but one with whom it is possible to agree on dividing economic spheres of influence.

“Xi Jinping may use his potential influence over Putin in future negotiations with Trump. Donald Trump is ready to establish strategic, constructive cooperation with China. Although he sees China as a rival, his vision of the global order includes a possible division of geopolitical and geo-economic zones of influence. Trump believes such agreements with China are achievable,” Likhachov emphasized.

The expert also pointed out that a crucial factor in future negotiations on resolving the war is whether Donald Trump perceives Ukraine as a subject in these discussions.

“Returning to the prospects of a hypothetical resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian war, it is important to highlight whether Trump considers Ukraine a subject of negotiations. Will he decide Ukraine’s fate directly with Putin? And it doesn’t matter whether this happens with Xi Jinping’s involvement or not — the key issue is whether Trump will take Ukraine’s position into account. That is a much more significant factor,” he added.

• Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on January 17, three days before his inauguration. 
• On January 21, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held a video meeting in which the Kremlin leader stated that the goal of “Ukrainian resolution” should be “long-term peace based on Russia’s interests.”