US President Donald Trump is currently playing a fast-paced diplomatic game. Just days ago, he hosted Pakistan's newly promoted Army Chief Asim Munir for lunch, an officer whose country is considered a close ally of China. Despite seeking consolation after Operation Sindoor, Trump immediately invited Asim Munir to Washington. Munir lingered in the US before being 'honored' with a lunch with Trump, an event Pakistan celebrates as a diplomatic success.
Recently at the NATO summit, Trump met with Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who is seen as part of the Chinese bloc. Turkey has bolstered economic and strategic ties with China in recent years, especially with initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
During the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, President Tayyip Erdogan warmly met US President Donald Trump. This meeting occurred shortly after Trump mediated a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, drawing extensive media attention.
Their meeting covered bilateral relations, defense cooperation, and global conflicts, including the Middle East and Ukraine.
According to Turkey’s communication directorate, Erdogan highlighted significant potential for collaboration between Turkey and the USA in key sectors such as energy and investment.
Erdogan appeared prepared for a long-term relationship with the American defense industry. He remarked that enhancing cooperation in defense would help both nations reach their target of $100 billion in bilateral trade.
Erdogan expressed hope that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered by Trump, would become permanent, a testament to his trust in Trump’s global leadership capabilities.
Pictures from their meeting showed a strong rapport between the leaders, with Trump and Erdogan seen conversing closely during the photo session. Trump frequently patted Erdogan's hand.
As two prominent NATO allies, Erdogan and Trump emphasized the importance of strengthening alliance resilience against regional and global threats and maintaining strategic unity.
President Trump, confronted with the challenge from Russia, is advocating for a 5% increase in NATO defense spending. Turkey's support in this mission offers Trump a comforting prospect.
Though Trump has met with various leaders at the Hague NATO summit, his discussions with Turkey's President are notably significant due to Erdogan’s perceived alignment with China. In recent years, Erdogan has forged strong ties with China, Russia, and Iran, yet his stance seems to be shifting.
Erdogan is showing a softer stance on NATO expansion, approving Sweden's membership, followed by direct dialogues with Trump.
Erdogan’s domestic challenges also play a role. Turkey is grappling with economic hardship, and America can provide substantial relief. Additionally, Erdogan faces domestic hurdles.
Trump understands that rather than a direct confrontation with China, it's smarter to reel in its 'strategic clients' like Pakistan and Turkey to dilute its influence.
Historically, China has drawn diplomatic and economic strength from countries like Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran. For Trump, it is crucial to break down this coalition.
Trump is projecting himself as a 'deal maker' on the global stage, adept in both fostering friendships and exerting pressure.
Turkey, a key NATO member with ties to Russia, Iran, and China, has expressed interest in joining BRICS and faced US tension over acquiring the S-400 missile system from Russia.
Trump's effort to strengthen relations with Turkey can be seen as a strategic move to keep Turkey firmly in the Western alliance and reduce the influence of China and Russia.
