Trump touts US ‘golden age’, avoids direct mention of China before Beijing trip
South China Morning Post
by Dewey Sim,Zhao ZiwenFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump delivered a nearly two-hour State of the Union address on Tuesday night, focusing on themes of economic strength and global leadership as he seeks to rally voters ahead of the November midterm elections. The speech, the longest in history, avoided direct mention of China, a move analysts suggest may aim to prevent further tensions with Beijing ahead of Trump’s upcoming visit.
Trump emphasized domestic achievements since his return to office, painting a picture of a nation in crisis when he took over and contrasting it with what he described as a period of unprecedented transformation. He highlighted economic growth, job creation, and reduced unemployment rates, framing these successes as evidence of the administration’s effectiveness.
Despite the absence of direct references to China, Trump’s speech touched on broader international issues, such as immigration and trade policy, which have significant implications for US-China relations. The omission of China could be a strategic decision to avoid escalating tensions ahead of his trip to Beijing, where discussions are expected to focus on key bilateral issues like trade imbalances and intellectual property rights.
This approach reflects Trump’s broader strategy to position himself as a strong leader on the global stage while addressing domestic concerns that could impact his administration’s standing in the midterm elections. With approval ratings at a record low and voters expressing growing dissatisfaction over rising living costs, Trump’s focus on economic achievements aims to shore up support among key voter groups.
The speech also underscores the delicate balance of US-China relations, as both nations navigate complex economic and security ties that remain critical to global stability. By steering clear of direct mentions of China,
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026