President Donald Trump is promoting a productive relationship with China ahead of his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, an expert warns of a ‘very dangerous period’ in U.S.-China relations, suggesting that Xi Jinping is preparing for conflict.

Upcoming Meeting

Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet on Thursday in Washington, D.C. This meeting comes four months after their previous talks in May, with artificial intelligence and trade expected to be primary topics.

Expert Concerns

Gordon Chang, a senior fellow at Gatestone Institute, has expressed concerns about Xi’s intentions. Despite public statements of a positive relationship, Chang believes Xi is considering war with the U.S. He claims Xi is organizing troops ‘for battle,’ highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Xi Jinping keeps on saying he wants war against us… He’s preparing China’s society for battle, civilian and military, while we think we’re at peace.

Chang’s comments follow reports linking China to Iran’s attack that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan this summer.

Allegations of Aid

Reports indicate that China provided Iran satellite images of a Jordanian airbase, aiding an attack that resulted in U.S. deaths. Chang criticized China’s actions, asserting the need for Trump to take a firmer stance on China. He argues decades of dialogue have worsened U.S.-China relations.

No matter what one believes about strategic discussions with China, there’s a moral issue at play. China deliberately kills Americans.

Changing Summit Dynamics

Experts predict the upcoming summit will differ significantly from the May meeting. Conflicts in the Middle East have intensified, and AI competition has escalated since then. Chang speculates Trump’s reception at the summit won’t improve over former President Biden’s 2023 meeting with Xi. He argues Xi lacks the position to compromise, given internal party turbulence in China.

Xi Jinping faces challenges within the Communist Party that prevent him from compromising. He mistakenly believes China’s ascendant while the U.S. declines.

Chang concludes Xi’s arrogance hinders him from reaching any compromise with the U.S.