Middle Powers Brace for Trump-Xi Meeting Amid Security Concerns

As President Trump prepares to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, middle powers across Asia are increasingly anxious about potential shifts in US security commitments. Nations are diversifying their defense partnerships, reflecting a growing belief that they can no longer rely solely on the US for protection. Concerns are particularly high regarding Taiwan and regional stability, with officials fearing that any concessions made by the US could embolden China. This situation has led to a strategic hedging approach among smaller nations, as they navigate the complexities of international relations in a changing global landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 19:29 IST

Rising Tensions Ahead of the Trump-Xi Summit

As the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping approaches, nations across Asia and other middle powers are expressing significant concern. There are fears that the United States may compromise its long-standing security commitments in exchange for economic benefits from China. This anxiety is prompting smaller countries in Asia to seek alternative defense and economic partnerships, indicating a decline in confidence in the traditional US-led global order.

New Security Agreements Emerge

In recent weeks, several nations have entered into new defense agreements, including:

Poland has finalized contracts for South Korean tanks.

Australia has agreed to acquire warships from Japan.

Canada has pledged to supply uranium to India.

India is providing cruise missiles to Vietnam.

Brazil is constructing military transport aircraft for the United Arab Emirates.

These developments reflect a growing sentiment among middle powers that they can no longer depend solely on the United States for security, particularly as the ongoing conflict in Iran diverts American focus and resources away from the Asia-Pacific region.

Concerns Over Taiwan and Regional Stability

Officials from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines are especially worried that Trump's transactional style may lead to a reduction in US support for Taiwan or a decrease in military presence in the region in pursuit of favorable trade agreements with China. An anonymous Taiwanese official described any decrease in American backing as 'the biggest nightmare.' Analysts warn that even minor concessions could encourage Beijing to intensify its claims over disputed territories, including the South China Sea and the India-China border.

Strategic Hedging in Action

Richard Heydarian, a political scientist from the Philippines, characterized the actions of smaller nations as 'fifty shades of hedging.' These countries are quietly forming new alliances and diversifying their partnerships while publicly maintaining friendly relations with both the US and China. This hedging strategy is influenced by:

The global energy crisis stemming from the conflict in Iran.

China's stringent control over oil-product exports.

Concerns that Trump's 'America First' policy may result in abrupt withdrawals or policy changes.

Hugh White, a former Australian intelligence official, emphasized that the perception among allies that they can no longer rely on America is more pronounced than public statements indicate.

A Delicate Global Landscape

The upcoming Trump-Xi summit is viewed more as a potential risk than an opportunity. Many middle powers fear that a significant agreement between the two leaders could come at their expense, whether through diminished US military commitments, reduced support for Taiwan, or new trade deals that could disadvantage smaller economies. As one Southeast Asian diplomat remarked, smaller nations feel as though they are 'caught between Godzilla and another giant,' striving to survive by remaining discreet and establishing safety nets.

The discussions in Beijing may not only influence US-China relations but also determine the level of trust in the current international framework. For many middle powers, the message is clear: they need to prepare for a future where reliance on Washington diminishes and where navigating relations with Beijing requires utmost caution.