US-China relations: Between confrontation and transaction

THE return of Donald Trump to the White House in January has ushered in a new chapter of Sino-American relations marked by aggressive economic policies, strategic unpredictability and a pattern of escalation followed by tactical negotiations.

Six months into his second presidency, Trump’s approach to China has proved both more confrontational and more transactional than many observers anticipated. And there are now signs that his administration is starting to reassess its moves.

Trump signalled a hard line on China with hawkish Cabinet picks, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. He also wasted little time in implementing his campaign promises on China trade policy.