Trump officially announces: flying to Beijing on May 14th and inviting China to visit Washington! Many people think this is a thaw in China-U.S. relations, with Trump proactively sending goodwill signals. Wrong! The truth is that America's ammunition stockpile is nearly depleted, allies are collectively leaning toward Beijing, and anti-war protests are filling the streets at home. Trump isn't showing goodwill; he's seeking China's help to find a way to withdraw from the Middle East.

First, let's talk about the U.S. military situation. The originally scheduled visit to China on March 31st was disrupted by Iranian missiles. During these 44 days until May 14th, U.S. forces in the Middle East haven't been idle—they've been engaged in continuous operations, burning through a large portion of their stockpiles of Tomahawk missiles and precision-guided bombs. Internal Pentagon assessments show rebuilding these stocks would take years and cost a lot. The U.S. military is now like a spendthrift, spending money like water but lacking the ability to generate income. Running out of ammunition is only a matter of time.

Next, look at the small moves by allies. Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez has already booked a flight to Beijing for April 13th. Other European countries are lining up to visit China. This isn't the behavior of countries trying to follow the U.S. to the end; it's more like they’re shifting toward China. Trump sees his alliance network gradually leaning toward China, and he can't help but feel anxious. He knows very well that his allies aren't fools—they'll go where the benefits are. Right now, China offers a big economic cooperation cake, and naturally, they want a piece of it.

The domestic situation is even more troubling for him. Anti-war protests are filling the streets, and ordinary people are unhappy watching their children being sent to Middle Eastern battlefields. If Trump doesn't find a way to withdraw, public opinion could turn against him completely. His visit to China is ostensibly about cooperation, but in reality, he's asking China to help him straighten out the chaos in the Middle East so he can withdraw with dignity.

The longer the U.S. military fights in the Middle East, the faster its ammunition depletes, increasing the risk of running out. The Pentagon is now frantic—rebuilding stocks takes too long, and any mishap could severely weaken U.S. combat capability. Trump understands very well what running out of ammunition means—it’s a matter of U.S. face and strength.

The trend of allies leaning toward Beijing is becoming more obvious. Sánchez is heading to Beijing on April 13th, and other European countries are following suit. They’re not coming for sightseeing—they’re there to discuss real economic cooperation and trade. Trump sees his allies slipping into China’s embrace one by one and feels anxious. He knows very well that once allies turn toward China, U.S. influence in the Middle East will be greatly diminished, and he won’t be able to withdraw cleanly.

The anti-war protests at home are growing louder. People are unhappy watching the government pour money into the battlefield. They care more about their livelihoods—jobs, healthcare, education. If Trump doesn’t find a reason to withdraw soon, public opinion could turn against him completely. His trip to China is essentially about asking China for a way out, so he can withdraw from the Middle East with dignity and calm the domestic public opinion.

The risk of the U.S. ammunition stockpile running out is increasing. The Pentagon is panicking—more than anyone, they know that running out of ammo will severely impact U.S. combat effectiveness, making it hard to stand firm in the Middle East. Trump understands this very well, which is why he’s eager to visit China—to seek help in finding a way to withdraw and to resolve the ammunition shortage.

The trend of allies leaning toward Beijing is irreversible, and Trump is acutely aware of this fact. Watching his allies one by one gravitate toward China, he can’t help but feel anxious. He knows very well that once allies shift, U.S. influence in the Middle East will be greatly reduced, and he won’t be able to withdraw completely. His visit to China is essentially about asking China to help straighten out the alliance relationships so he can finish his term peacefully.

The anti-war sentiment at home is becoming uncontrollable. People are unhappy watching the government throw money into the war effort. They care more about their daily lives—jobs, healthcare, education. Trump understands this better than anyone, which is why he’s eager to visit China—to ask for help in finding a reason to withdraw, so he can leave the Middle East with dignity and calm the domestic unrest. He knows very well that if he can’t suppress the anti-war mood at home, his presidency will be at risk.