The Art of the 'Excellent' Call, China Edition
Here's what they buried in paragraph whatever was behind the paywall: Case A: The Trump 'Excellent Call' Narrative The original article, based on a presidential tweet, would have highlighted former President Trump's claim of an 'excellent' call with Xi Jinping, emphasizing progress on trade deals—specifically soybean purchases—and discussions around Taiwan. The framing suggests a direct, decisive
approach, where the President's personal relationship with Xi yields tangible results benefiting U.S. economic interests. This aligns with Trump's self-portrayal as a master negotiator who could personally resolve complex international disputes. Case B: The Deeper Context of US-China Relations The reality of U.S.-China relations, particularly concerning trade and Taiwan, is far more complex than
any single 'excellent call' can convey. Consider the historical arc: since Nixon's 1972 visit, successive administrations have used varying rhetoric—from engagement to confrontation—but the fundamental economic interdependence and geopolitical competition have persisted. For instance, while Trump touted soybean sales, the overall U.S. trade deficit with China reached nearly $345 billion in 2019,
despite the 'Phase One' trade deal (US Census Bureau, 2020). The 'excellent call' framing conveniently sidesteps this structural imbalance, presenting a transactional victory as a holistic success. The Framing: Consistency Over Substance The language of 'excellent' calls and 'progress' on trade or diplomatic issues with China has been remarkably consistent across administrations, regardless of