A planned visit by Donald Trump to Beijing has triggered sharp condemnation from within his own political base, with prominent MAGA figures questioning the former president’s alignment with China and casting doubt on the stability of the transatlantic alliance. The trip, scheduled for next month, is intended to discuss trade and security issues, but critics argue it undermines the hardline stance against Beijing that defined his earlier administration.
Senior international correspondent Sienna West reports from London. The controversy has exposed deep fractures in the conservative movement, as Trump’s outreach to Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen by some as a betrayal of the ‘America First’ doctrine. Meanwhile, British officials have expressed unease, viewing the rapprochement as a potential shift in global power dynamics that could weaken the UK’s strategic partnership with the United States.
Observers note that the timing is particularly sensitive, with the UK seeking to bolster its post-Brexit trade relations and maintain a unified Western posture on issues such as Taiwan and technology transfer. A senior diplomatic source told this correspondent that “the special relationship relies on mutual trust, and any move that suggests a compromise with Beijing is concerning.”
The internal Republican criticism has been led by conservative commentators and former aides who accuse Trump of cosying up to an authoritarian regime. Some have called for the trip to be cancelled, arguing it legitimises China’s human rights abuses and aggressive territorial claims. In response, Trump’s team has characterised the backlash as “political noise” and insisted the visit is a pragmatic step to de-escalate tensions.
European allies, including the UK, are closely watching the developments. A Whitehall official said that “the UK’s strategic calculus depends on a predictable US foreign policy. Any deviation risks emboldening China and complicating our own defence planning.” The UK has itself faced pressure to take a firmer line on China, particularly regarding Hong Kong and the South China Sea.
Analysts suggest that the controversy may further erode trust in US leadership, particularly among nations that rely on Washington’s security guarantees. The UK, which recently concluded a defence review identifying China as a systemic competitor, now faces the prospect of a US administration more willing to engage Beijing on economic terms.
For the UK, the stakes are high. Post-Brexit Britain has sought to deepen ties with the Indo-Pacific region, but remains dependent on the US for intelligence sharing and advanced technology. Any perception of a US-China detente could undermine London’s efforts to present itself as a reliable partner.
As the visit approaches, the fallout from MAGA’s criticism is likely to dominate political discourse on both sides of the Atlantic. The question now is whether Trump will proceed with the trip, and what concessions, if any, he is prepared to offer Beijing. The answer will shape the trajectory of the Western alliance for years to come.
