One former US official described his response as a “mega Taco”, using the acronym for “Trump always chickens out” — a phrase that came into vogue after backing down in the face of Chinese pressure. “Xi will see it exactly for what it is: a clear indication of weakness, a lack of resolve, if not desperation,” he said.
Dennis Wilder, a former CIA China expert, said Trump was doing what Xi wanted — reacting emotionally. “Trump is embarrassed and must protect himself from the hawks’ criticism,” Wilder said. “Xi had to know exactly how Trump would react. He has upped the ante in the great poker game. Does Trump fold or put his chips in?”