The Trump and Putin summit has sparked intense global debate, with analysts warning that China is emerging as the biggest beneficiary of the prolonged Ukraine war. Keystone Institute Senior Fellow Gordon Chang argues that Beijing is deliberately supporting Moscow to keep the United States distracted from Asia.
The discussion also highlighted Washington’s inconsistent sanctions strategy, the plight of Hong Kong pro-democracy leader Jimmy Lai facing life imprisonment under China’s national security law, and Russia’s latest massive aerial assault on Ukraine with 574 drones and 40 missiles. As President Trump navigates U.S. policy toward both Russia and China, experts caution that the future of Ukraine, Asia, and global democracy are at stake.
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate: China Seen as Biggest Beneficiary
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate::In Washington, days after confirmation from the White House that Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy would soon meet for bilateral peace talks, discussions have shifted toward the wider geopolitical implications. Analysts suggest that the real winner of the Trump-Putin summit may not be Russia or Ukraine, but China. Gordon Chang, Senior Fellow at the Keystone Institute, argued in a recent op-ed and subsequent interview that Beijing’s interests are being served by the prolongation of the war in Ukraine, as it diverts U.S. attention away from Asia.
According to Chang, China does not want to see the war in Ukraine end quickly, nor does it want Russia to lose. The reasoning is straightforward: if Russia were to face a defeat, Washington’s strategic focus would immediately pivot to East Asia, placing Beijing in direct crosshairs.
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate:By ensuring that the war continues, China benefits by keeping the U.S. distracted in Europe while continuing to consolidate its power in Asia. Chang went as far as to claim that Beijing is not only politically supporting Russia but also providing direct assistance, possibly including personnel in Ukraine.
When asked what the U.S. could do to dissuade China from aiding Russia’s war effort, Chang was blunt. He said it is unlikely Washington can appeal to China’s sense of responsibility, as Beijing defines its interests differently from the West. The only effective strategy, in his view, is to impose severe costs on China.
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate:He pointed out that while the U.S. recently imposed a 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil, it has not taken similar measures against China, despite Beijing buying significantly more Russian crude. This inconsistency, Chang said, projects weakness and emboldens China to act more aggressively in Ukraine and beyond.
This balancing act also affects the Trump administration’s approach to China. President Trump has been careful in his positioning, signaling toughness without escalating into open confrontation. Trump understands, Chang noted, that the U.S. still relies heavily on Chinese supply chains. While the administration is attempting to strengthen America’s domestic supply chain resilience, concrete changes to the trade relationship with Beijing remain pending. Negotiations with the European Union and ongoing trade talks suggest that policy details are still in flux.
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate:Amidst this global chess game, another issue has drawn international attention—the trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and media mogul Jimmy Lai. Lai, who faces life imprisonment under China’s sweeping national security law, has become a symbol of resistance against Beijing’s suppression of free speech. His lawyer argued that it is not wrong to support freedom of expression, to advocate for policy changes, or to support a particular government.
However, Lai’s son, Sebastian Lai, stated last week that there is no hope for a fair trial, describing the proceedings as completely politically motivated. He emphasized that his father is being punished simply for standing up for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate:Chang agreed with Sebastian Lai’s assessment, saying the trial reflects the “evil nature of the Chinese regime.” He warned that Beijing’s handling of Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment highlights its disregard for democratic freedoms and human dignity. While he noted that Beijing may not want Lai to die in custody, as that would turn him into a martyr and amplify his symbolic importance, the trial is clearly being used to reinforce Beijing’s narrative on national security.
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate:Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee is pursuing the case as part of his broader agenda to eliminate dissent, leaving little room for optimism about Lai’s future. President Trump, however, has earned praise for highlighting Lai’s plight in international discussions, ensuring that global attention remains on the case.
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate:Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has shown no sign of slowing. On the same day these discussions took place, reports confirmed that Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks in months, deploying 574 drones and 40 missiles across Ukrainian territory. The timing raised questions about Moscow’s intentions, especially after Trump’s high-profile meeting with Putin in Alaska and European leaders’ diplomatic visits to Washington.
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate:Chang described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “war criminal of the 21st century” and warned against illusions of persuading him into good behavior. In his view, the only path to ending the war is to cut off all sources of revenue for Russia. That means fully enforcing sanctions, halting oil sales, and restricting all financial inflows. If Russia is deprived of money, he argued, the war would end swiftly. However, he cautioned that sanctions enforcement so far has been inconsistent, undermining their effectiveness.
The geopolitical stakes extend beyond Ukraine. If Putin is allowed to retain Ukrainian territory, Chang warned, it would set a dangerous precedent for Asia. China, observing Russia’s gains, could conclude that territorial aggression is acceptable and attempt to seize land from its neighbors. Thus, the war in Ukraine is not just about Europe’s security—it is about the future of Asia and global order itself.
Trump and Putin Summit Sparks Debate:As the Trump administration navigates complex negotiations with both adversaries and allies, the international community faces hard choices. From China’s quiet but strategic support of Russia, to Hong Kong’s fight for democracy, to Ukraine’s desperate struggle for sovereignty, the world stage has become an interconnected web of conflicts. Decisions made in Washington and Beijing will ripple across continents, shaping the trajectory of global politics for years to come.