Did Trump’s UN Russia rant hint at a China pivot?

In a speech laced with threats against Russia and with little about China, US President Donald Trump’s address at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday may have given Beijing some reason for optimism.

According to observers, the American leader’s attacks on Russia over the war in Ukraine signalled his frustration and revealed cracks in ties between Washington and Moscow, a relationship that earlier showed signs of deepening, something Beijing has been wary about.

Trump’s comparatively soft rhetoric on China also showed his restraint, in what observers suggested could be a sign that Washington was pulling back from its confrontational stance towards Beijing.

In his hour-long speech, Trump mentioned China several times, including on the issues of climate and Ukraine. “China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil,” he said.

But he went on to criticise Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine. “Everyone thought Russia would win this war in three days … It was supposed to be just a quick little skirmish. It’s not making Russia look good. It’s making them look bad.”

“In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs which would stop the bloodshed, I believe, very quickly,” he added.

Since his return to the White House, Trump has focused much of his attention on ending the Ukraine war, including speaking with Putin directly and holding a summit with him in Alaska last month.

South China Morning Post