Documentary Review: Trump's Chaotic Role in US-China Trade War Explored
In a world where international trade negotiations rarely serve as light entertainment, Norma Percy's latest documentary, Clash of the Superpowers: America vs China, offers a startling and often comedic glimpse into the tumultuous relationship between former US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This two-part series, airing on BBC Two and available on iPlayer, delves into the 2017 trade skirmishes that reshaped global economics, with Trump's unpredictable behavior taking center stage.
A Shift in Diplomatic Documentary Style
Norma Percy, renowned for her meticulous documentaries like The Iraq War and Putin vs the West, typically crafts nuanced dramas using first-hand testimonies from key players. However, Clash of the Superpowers marks a departure, as Trump's presence transforms the film into what feels like a chaotic spectacle. The documentary opens with Xi Jinping's 2017 Davos speech, where he positioned China as a free trade advocate, subtly anticipating Trump's inauguration and the impending trade conflicts.
Trump's campaign rhetoric, including inflammatory statements about China, sets the tone for the series. As one clip shows, he accused China of economic exploitation, framing it as "the greatest theft in the history of the world." This introduction plunges viewers into a narrative where Trump's capriciousness overshadows traditional diplomatic maneuvers, creating a sense of unpredictability that Percy's previous works avoided.
The Unnerving Dynamics of Trump-Xi Interactions
Through interviews with advisers from both sides, the documentary explores the divide within Trump's team. Some advocated for conventional engagement with China, warning that tariffs would harm the US economy, while others viewed this approach as naive. Amid this debate, Trump and Xi engaged in unusual diplomatic gestures, such as Trump hosting Xi at Mar-a-Lago and Xi allowing Trump to tour the Forbidden City, breaking with protocol in ways that left observers baffled.
National security adviser HR McMaster describes Trump as "reflexively contrarian," highlighting how his tendency to defy briefings complicated negotiations. Despite Trump's blunt speech in Beijing, where he admitted not blaming China for prioritizing its citizens, Xi remained composed. The documentary contrasts Xi's calculated responses, like naval displays in the South China Sea, with Trump's erratic actions, such as imposing sudden tariffs.
A Moment of Pure Comedy in Global Politics
The film reaches a comedic peak during the 2018 G20 summit in Buenos Aires, where Trump and Xi attempted to resolve tariff disputes. John Bolton, another national security adviser, recalls feeling "unnerved" by Xi's systematic approach compared to Trump's improvisation. The documentary cuts to footage of Trump rambling about his "special" relationship with Xi, a moment that encapsulates the absurdity of the era.
This scene underscores how, in hindsight, Trump's presidency introduced a level of chaos that made global politics feel almost farcical. Clash of the Superpowers captures this transition, reminding viewers that what once seemed alarming now appears quaint against today's standards. Percy's work serves as a poignant reflection on a time when documentaries could still approach such topics with wry humor, before the stakes escalated further.
