‘Trump doesn't have all the cards, Xi holding aces’: Einar Tangen predicts outcome of US-China meet

In this episode, HT's Ananya Dutta speaks to global affairs expert Einar Tangen, who breaks down a high-stakes geopolitical showdown, the Trump–Xi meeting that’s shaping up like a poker game with global consequences. As Trump tries to project power and unpredictability, Tangen argues that the cards tell a different story. “Trump doesn’t hold all the cards, China does,” he says, dissecting how Beijing has already played its aces: economic leverage, diplomatic calm, and strategic patience. From trade chips to rare earth dominance, China’s quiet confidence contrasts sharply with Trump’s loud theatrics. Has Xi already outplayed Trump before they even sit at the same table? What happens when Washington’s political poker meets Beijing’s long game? And can Trump still pull a wildcard from a weakening hand?