So, as most could imagine based on my disinterest with communism, as a victim of centralised government as it were, I watch many pro-American, pro-West videos on social media.
However, of large I have referrals on many different YouTube channels, a wide range of channels, pro-liberty, pro-Israel, religious focused, Europe I have been referred to more left wing channels of late, a wide range of different perspectives as it were. This keeps me fairly well informed with some neutrality.
There are a few posters and media voices who say "Trump is playing 3D chess with Xi", more suggest he is being perhaps being outplayed as he was in the first term by China as there is no way China keeps their word, thet never have, but they will cost America many reliable billions from democracy-ally Taiwan for instance. He could have pro-American nations thinking he is going wobbly. They suggest Trump is another naive leader in a long line of Western leaders.
Some networks such as NTD were denied access to cover the W.H as China refused their visas (they are critical of the CCP and are generally pro-democracy news). There are many reports of Chinese authorities being strong armed with secret service, who to their credit apparently did NOT back down.
In essence, the general sentiment regarding Trumps visit has not been positive. At best, from outlets who are generally pro-Teump and anti-CCP, cautious in their assessment.
The visit itself, which did help Chinese propaganda elements, has surprised me in regards to Trumps shift in political instincts. He really seems to have lost his once infalliable instincts and it is going to benefit the Democrats in the long run.
Recall my prediction after the Dems lost to Trump the second time, "they are going to remain far-left, that is where their money is", and, they can easily be allowed off the mat it Trump does not keep his word and do a good job.
His invitation of Xi to America BEFORE the midterms is also odd as I do not think it will help him to raise the China First crowd up before that vote. The timing probably required that to be the time Xi could visit, however, politically, again, his instincts are off IMO.
The anti-CCP YouTube channels are big, especially with a young generation who see their job prospects disappearing due to China. The are longing for a pro-American leader like Trump after years of Wesker leaders. Most were fairly supportive of Trump due to his past stance. I think he is losing many of them now.
He must turn this narrative on China around. At least get real concessions and force them to purchase in short order, no more delays and obfuscation, that is their game. He has them dependent with his efforts in Venezuela, Cuba and now Iran. Do NOT show weakness now.
Trump doesn't need to be incendiary but he must at least show strong leadership when dealing with China. Americans have never viewed weak leaders favourably in history, this is a fact.
I do not think Trump should be constantly a nusaince, however, I can say that he was extremely popular when he was most anti-China. When he called them out during covid, when he hit them with 150% tariffs, he was receiving massive support online, like never before.
He cannot do a 180 before the midterms. He may have a really sophisticated plan but generally allowing authoritarian leaders to save face has not been Americas foreign policy.
What I found Trump being a rising power was his ability to stand up for America, your borders and particularly China. I know that standing up to China was a HUGE reason for his rise and gained my support on this issue.
He promised on the campaign trail that he would block the CCP from buying farm land, he would stand up to them.
The best comment I read was that Trump was going to get billions from China, the worst comment I read was that Trump visited China to wave the white flag.
There is a real risk he is going to lose his core supporters. If the Dems are wise and turn on the China-First narrative, I suspect Trumps core supporters can be swayed, back to the Obama camp.
I hope Trump understands this.
