# Xi's Real View of Trump

> Xi likely sees Trump as a leader who has lost his way, making U.S. global standing shaky.
- Title: Xi's Real View of Trump · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: Xi likely sees Trump as a leader who has lost his way, making U.S. global standing shaky. Xi believes Trump's leadership style shows the U.S. has lost its…
- Keywords: xi jinping, donald trump, united states, china, nfl, foreign policy, trump china summit, us china relations, political leadership, global superpower, Xi's, Real
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/28/xi-trump-summit-washington-us-china
- Author: Howard W. French
- Published: 2026-09-29T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: xi jinping, donald trump, united states, china, nfl, foreign policy, trump china summit, us china relations, political leadership, global superpower
## Xi's private assessment
Xi likely concluded Trump's presidency shows the U.S. has lost its way as a global superpower.

> Trump's presidency shows the United States has lost its way as a global superpower.
## Trump's red carpet treatment
Trump's flattery of Xi during the summit likely failed to build genuine friendship.

> Trump's flattery of Xi during the summit likely failed to build genuine friendship.
## Xi's view of U.S. media
Xi saw Trump's disdain for U.S. media as a sign of confusion about press freedom differences.

> Xi saw Trump's disdain for U.S. media as a sign of confusion about press freedom differences.
## Trump's portrait display
Trump displayed his portrait above Biden's in a gilded pavilion, a move Xi found tacky.

> Trump displayed his portrait above Biden's in a gilded pavilion, a move Xi found tacky.
## Xi's leadership style
Xi has built near-absolute power through anti-corruption drives and military reforms.

> Xi has built near-absolute power through anti-corruption drives and military reforms.
## Trump's leadership flaws
Trump's second term has led to an administration staffed by loyal but not smart people.

> Trump's second term has led to an administration staffed by loyal but not smart people.
## Xi's strategic concern
Xi fears Trump's actions may overestimate China's power and underestimate U.S. recovery.

> Xi fears Trump's actions may overestimate China's power and underestimate U.S. recovery.
## Press freedom contrast
Xi sees U.S. press freedom as a sign of national self-confidence Trump lacks.

> Xi sees U.S. press freedom as a sign of national self-confidence Trump lacks.
## Trump's leadership style
Trump acts like an impulsive leader with little self-discipline, celebrating his own greatness.

> Trump acts like an impulsive leader with little self-discipline, celebrating his own greatness.
## Xi's power consolidation
Xi has ruled China with near-absolute power since 2012 through strategic moves.

> Xi has ruled China with near-absolute power since 2012 through strategic moves.
## Trump's impact on global relations
Trump's actions have made U.S. global standing shaky, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine.

> Trump's actions have made U.S. global standing shaky, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine.
## Xi's strategic outlook
Xi likely sees Trump's leadership as a sign of U.S. decline, not a path to recovery.

> Xi likely sees Trump's leadership as a sign of U.S. decline, not a path to recovery.
## Trump's self-confidence
Trump's belief in his own greatness contrasts with Xi's measured leadership.

> Trump's belief in his own greatness contrasts with Xi's measured leadership.
## Key takeaway

Xi believes Trump's leadership style shows the U.S. has lost its way as a superpower.