"China's 'Supreme Leader' Exposed by Trump for the First Time

Trump's soft and hard tactics leave the CCP disoriented. (Image by Qing Yu / People News)

[People News] The CCP leader's facade as the "supreme leader" has not only been unveiled domestically—evident in the absence of references to "navigation," "guidance," or "Xi Jinping Thought" in party media, military reports, and coverage of relevant meetings and activities—but has also been exposed internationally by Trump, revealing a hollow pretense of strength. This has sparked widespread public debate.

At the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which commenced on January 20, a host asked Trump about his conversations with the CCP leader Xi Jinping. Trump responded, "He called me."

Trump's comment was delivered casually, as if it were a mere side note in his broader remarks. Yet it shocked the audience. Many found it striking, as they were accustomed to the CCP's frequent diplomatic framing, which often starts with phrases like, "At the invitation of..."

Over time, the global audience has come to believe that invitations to international conferences or state visits are typically initiated by foreign governments or event organizers, with CCP leaders reluctantly accepting as a courtesy. For example, when Han Zheng, a vice president representing Xi Jinping, attended the inauguration of Trump as U.S. president, Chinese state media began their coverage by emphasizing, "At the invitation of the U.S. side..." Such language is standard in party media and diplomatic statements, creating the illusion that the CCP occupies a higher standing than "American imperialism." Online commenters have sarcastically remarked, "Self-styled as the center of the world, expecting all nations to pay tribute, but ending up ridiculed by all, bowing to others only to be met with disdain." This tactic of waging cognitive battles at home and abroad may lose effectiveness in the future.

The CCP's obsession with maintaining a veneer of respect is long-standing. Leaders like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping would often remain motionless during handshakes at international meetings, waiting for others to approach them to signal their own importance. Similarly, in group photos, CCP leaders would insist on standing in the center, and seating arrangements at events were always manipulated to place CCP representatives in prominent positions.

This trend has persisted under Xi Jinping. However, this behavior reflects the CCP's deep-seated insecurity. It reveals an acute awareness and fear of being looked down upon by the world, necessitating superficial displays to mask its vulnerability.

Trump’s comment about Xi Jinping calling him, regardless of which instance it refers to, demonstrates that the CCP is viewed as an outlier by major Western powers and relies on their favor for international standing. For example, on the Taiwan issue, whether or not Beijing dares to act militarily depends on the U.S.'s position. On trade tariffs, the CCP's ability to secure low tariffs lies entirely in the hands of foreign governments.

On January 24, CCP Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed a foreign reporter’s question during a regular press briefing: "The U.S. president hopes China (the CCP) will help end the conflict in Ukraine. Does China plan to take new measures to promote a resolution to the Ukraine crisis?" Mao Ning responded with a softened tone, adding to standard party rhetoric, "Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable paths to resolving the Ukraine crisis." When asked about "the U.S. president's hope for a fair trade agreement with China and willingness to address the $1.1 trillion trade deficit," Mao Ning avoided combative "wolf warrior" language, instead making polite remarks: "China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial. China has never intentionally sought a trade surplus. Although there are differences and frictions between the two countries, they..." In response to a reporter from Agence France-Presse regarding "the U.S. president’s statement that tariffs on China have great leverage," Mao Ning emphasized mutual benefits and added, "Differences and frictions should be resolved through dialogue and consultation."

These statements are entirely in line with Trump’s expectations and mark a significant departure from the previously aggressive tone of CCP diplomacy. Why the change? Because the CCP has always been a paper tiger adept at disguise. Faced with a serious and stern international environment, it now has no choice but to reveal its true colors.