Xi Hosts Russia, North Korea Summit Signaling Shift in Asia-Pacific Alliances

President Donald Trump's second term has seen a complex and inconsistent U.S. strategy toward China, marked by internal divisions between hawkish and pragmatic elements and a transactional approach that some believe could open opportunities for recalibrating relations. Meanwhile, China's diplomatic efforts have strengthened ties with Russia and North Korea, hosting a summit signaling solidarity among nations often isolated by the West, which contrasts with Trump's isolationist policies and has strained U.S. alliances. Trump's trade policies, including high tariffs and restrictions on access to key technologies like semiconductors and aircraft parts, have triggered retaliatory measures from China and contributed to economic tensions, though some tariff rates have been moderated following international negotiations. These trade conflicts have affected U.S. relations with India, whose Prime Minister Narendra Modi has distanced himself from Trump, aligning more closely with China partly due to Trump's tariffs on Indian goods and diplomatic frictions. This shift is also reflected in the weakening cohesion of the Quad alliance, originally revived by Trump to counter China’s influence, as deteriorating U.S.-India ties and changing regional dynamics challenge the group's unity. Overall, Trump's approach has introduced uncertainty and challenges in managing the U.S.-China rivalry and maintaining alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.