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Chinese Public React to Trump's China Visit

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Chinese residents across four major cities expressed mixed feelings about President Trump's visit, with many blaming his policies for economic strain. A steel trader in Fuzhou saw business decline due to trade tensions, while a Beijing stock investor worried about market volatility from Trump's unpredictable announcements. Many linked rising fuel costs to U.S. foreign policy, with one taxi driver in Jinan noting higher gas prices amid Iran tensions.

Negative sentiments dominated conversations, with critics calling Trump 'brutal' and questioning his leadership. A nail salon worker in Fuzhou connected tariffs to reduced customer earnings, while others cited misinformation about the U.S. circulating on social media. Despite criticism, several interviewees expressed hope that Trump's meetings with Xi Jinping would stabilize Sino-American relations and end the trade war.

Many Chinese respondents viewed Trump as impulsive, comparing his rhetoric to 'stand-up comedy' and contrasting him with President Xi's demeanor. Older generations showed more concern about conflict, with a 74-year-old retiree stating ordinary people suffer most during wars. Overall, respondents emphasized desire for peaceful coexistence, believing China's growing strength allows it to 'control' rather than depend on the U.S.