Nicholas Burns, the former U.S. ambassador to China, has expressed concern that President Donald Trump may be adopting a soft approach in his dealings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Burns offered these remarks during an appearance on CBS News, where he discussed the recent Trump-Xi summit and the broader state of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The former diplomat characterized China as a "U.S. adversary," framing his analysis within the context of ongoing strategic competition between the world's two largest economies. His comments highlight a perspective that views the relationship through a lens of significant geopolitical tension rather than simple partnership.
Burns' assessment suggests a divergence in strategy regarding how to handle high-level engagement with Beijing. By describing the potential presidential approach as "soft," he implies a diplomatic stance that may prioritize de-escalation or accommodation over firm pressure in bilateral negotiations.
The remarks come as Washington continues to navigate complex trade and security issues with China. The recent summit between the two leaders serves as a focal point for evaluating the direction of U.S.-China policy under the current administration.
As a former ambassador, Burns brings specific experience in managing diplomatic channels with Beijing to his public commentary. His observations contribute to the wider debate among policy experts about the optimal balance between dialogue and deterrence in U.S. foreign policy.
<small>Source: CBS News — read the original story there.</small>
