With investment, aid, and diplomacy, China is developing considerable power and influence around the globe. The Trump administration has repeatedly claimed to take this threat to the existing world order seriously. It’s waging a trade war with Beijing, actively fighting the influence of Chinese telecommunications company Huawei, and using China’s rising threat as a justification for increased military preparedness.

Naturally, that would mean that the White House would also be interested in countering China’s influence with diplomacy, aid, and other attempts of fostering a good will toward the U.S., right?