Trump in China: What Malta Can Learn from the Superpower Summit

Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Beijing, where locals are not just witnessing history, but living it. The city is abuzz with anticipation, not unlike the atmosphere in Malta’s Republic Street when a major political figure visits. Today, it’s all eyes on the Great Hall of the People, where US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. But why should Malta care? Let’s look the implications of this superpower summit and what our tiny island nation can learn from it.

Trump-Xi Meet: A Global Chess Game

Picture the scenario like a game of chess, with the world’s two largest economies moving pieces on the global board. The US, with Trump at the helm, has been pushing for fairer trade deals and intellectual property protections. China, under Xi’s leadership, is flexing its muscles, asserting itself as a global power. The meeting in Beijing is a critical move in this game, with both leaders aiming to secure strategic advantages.

Malta, a small player in this global game, might feel like a pawn, but it’s not without its own moves. Our strategic location in the Mediterranean makes us a key player in regional politics and economics. We’ve seen this with our successful chairmanship of the EU’s Council of the European Union, and our role in the Mediterranean Migration Crisis. So, what can we learn from the Trump-Xi summit?

Trade and Investment: A Two-Way Street

One of the key issues on the table in Beijing is trade. The US wants China to open up its markets, reduce its trade surplus, and protect American intellectual property. For Malta, this is a reminder that trade is a two-way street. While we’ve been successful in attracting foreign direct investment, we must also look at how we can export more, especially high-value products and services.

Consider our burgeoning iGaming industry, for instance. We’ve seen companies like Betsson and Kindred establish bases here, attracted by our favorable regulatory environment. But we should also be looking at how we can expand into international markets, just as these companies have done. The Trump-Xi summit serves as a reminder that trade is about give and take, not just take.

Diplomacy: The Art of the Deal

Trump’s visit to China is a masterclass in diplomacy, a dance of words and gestures designed to achieve specific outcomes. For Malta, this is a reminder of the power of soft power. Our tiny island might not have the military might of the US or the economic clout of China, but we punch above our weight in diplomacy.

Think of our role in the Mediterranean, where we’ve used our strategic location and historical ties to foster dialogue and cooperation. Or our chairmanship of the EU Council, where we used our presidency to push for a more united Europe. The Trump-Xi summit is a reminder that diplomacy, when done right, can yield significant results.

As Trump and Xi meet in Beijing, let’s remember that while we might not be playing in the same league, we’re still in the game. Our size doesn’t define our influence. It’s up to us to play our cards right, to make the most of our unique position, and to secure a better future for Malta.