POLITICS

Trump's Dealmaking: A New China Connection?

Washington, DC, USAWed Jan 22 2025
Donald Trump's return to the White House has many expecting U. S. -China relations to get worse. His first term was tough on China, and his team includes strong China critics. Plus, the Biden administration's moves didn't help. But what if there's a surprise? Could Trump, who loves deals, make a big one with China's Xi Jinping? Trump sees diplomacy as deals, and he's already talked to Xi about trade, drugs, and apps like TikTok. He might use tariffs to pressure China into a deal, like he did with soybeans in 2018. This could be a big win for Trump, but it's risky. It might upset U. S. allies in Asia, and Trump's admiration for strong leaders like Xi could make things worse. Trump's unpredictability makes anything possible. A deal could bring short-term relief, but it might not be good in the long run. It's a gamble, but Trump's return is sure to bring surprises.

questions

    Could Trump's pursuit of a grand bargain with China actually improve U.S.-China relations?
    What are the potential risks of a purely transactional approach to diplomacy with China?
    How might a grand bargain affect U.S. relations with key allies in the Asia-Pacific region?

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