U.S.-China Relations Tense as Xi Prepares for Conflict, Says Expert

President Donald Trump is emphasizing a constructive relationship with China ahead of his summit with President Xi Jinping. However, Gordon Chang, a senior fellow at Gatestone Institute, warns that U.S. relations with China are entering a ‘very dangerous period.’ He claims President Xi is preparing for war against the U.S.

Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, four months after their last meeting in May. Topics expected to dominate the discussions include artificial intelligence and trade.

“Xi Jinping keeps on talking about going to war against us… He’s preparing China’s society, civilian and military, for battle. And we think we’re at peace,” Chang stated on “Fox News Live.”

His comments follow reports that China assisted Iran in attacks that led to the deaths of three U.S. troops in Jordan earlier this summer. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran received satellite images of a Jordan airbase from Chinese sources before the attack.

Chang accused China of providing “targeting data” to Iran, resulting in U.S. servicemembers’ deaths. He suggests Trump must adopt a tougher stance on China, arguing that extended dialogues with the Chinese have worsened the situation.

“Whatever one thinks of the strategic discussions with China, there’s a moral dimension: China is deliberately killing Americans,” Chang commented.

This week’s summit between Trump and Xi is anticipated to be markedly different from their May meeting, largely due to increased Middle East conflict and intensified competition in AI.

Chang believes that President Trump’s discussions on AI will be met with resistance similar to former President Joe Biden’s experience in 2023. Xi is not in a position to compromise. He faces challenges within the Communist Party at home and perceives the U.S. as declining.

“Xi Jinping is facing a turbulent Communist Party, making compromise difficult. He’s arrogant and believes China’s ascending while the U.S. is in decline,” Chang said, noting Xi’s lack of inclination to compromise.

Nora Moriarty is a Writer at Fox News Digital.