2. Xi expected that the THREAT to take away the Summit, by ordering their proxy KJU to start being hostile and belligerent toward Trump, would force the US to offer China concessions (economic).
He NEVER expected that Trump would walk away.
Again, Xi underestimated Trump.
3. Trump has already won bigly in this negotiation. He has increased US leverage significantly.
All US hostages are now returned.
The NK ICBM & nuke threat has been significantly damaged, if not effectively eliminated.
4. 30,000 foot view, folks:
This has been a TERRIBLE 15 months for the Chinese. The US is now positioned to pressure the Chinese out of once valuable markets.
New alliances (India) are giving US manufacturers options outside China.
The Beijing regime has a LOT to lose.
5. ALL leverage rests with POTUS Trump. He won't waste this opportunity.
Trump knows that he's outmanouvered Xi by withdrawing. Xi will have been STUNNED by Trump's sudden announcement.
8. Xi thought that by using threats, he'd gain concessions from Trump, assuming the US would do anything to keep the Summit in place.
BAD MOVE.
He got Trumped - by a far more cunning, smarter opponent. Still, I guessed he may have learned something.
I'd be careful saying that the nuke threat from them has been effectively eliminated. They still have their missiles and they blew up a testing facility, that that doesn't mean they blew up the nukes they already have.
