By Qamar Bashir
For decades, the United States has led global efforts to counter China’s influence, positioning it as its most formidable geopolitical adversary while pressuring its allies to align their policies toward China in accordance with U.S. interests. This strategy has ensured that any country at odds with the U.S. would face collective Western opposition. However, in a surprising shift, President Donald Trump has taken a
diametrically opposite approach—one that prioritizes economic collaboration and diplomatic stability over escalating tensions.
His remarks following his first cabinet meeting on February 26, 2025, reflect a
commitment to pragmatic engagement with China rather than escalating rivalry. In
his statement, he highlighted his strong relationship with President Xi Jinping and
expressed his commitment to fostering mutually beneficial economic ties. His exact
words were: "I have a great relationship with President Xi. I've had a great relationship
with him." "We want them to come in and invest. I see so many things saying that we
don’t want China in this country—that’s not right. We want them to invest in the United
States. That’s good, that’s a lot of money coming in, and we'll invest in China. We’ll do
things with China. The relationship we’ll have with China would be a very good one."
"I see all of these phony reports that we don’t want that money; we don’t want
anything to do with them—that’s wrong. We’re going to have a good relationship
with China, but they won’t be able to take advantage of us."
During the said media address, while replying to a nasty question, quote, Is it also your
policy that as long as you are president, China will never take Taiwan by force?"
President Trump’s refused to be drawn into a reckless or inflammatory declaration on
the sensitive Taiwan issue. He said, "I never comment on that. I don’t comment on any
[military strategy] because I don’t want to ever put myself in that position. And if I said
it, I certainly wouldn’t be saying it to you. I’d be saying it to other people, maybe people
around this table and very specific people around this table."
This response disrupted efforts to escalate tensions, disappointing those who seek to
fuel conflict between China and the U.S. for political or economic gain as they thrive
on conflict, tension, and instability.
President Trump’s approach signaled that his administration will navigate the Taiwan
issue carefully, with restraint, justly, and fairly without escalating tension.
Trump’s recalibrated approach toward China is in stark contrast to the prevailing
sentiment among U.S. congressmen, senators, and many hawkish policymakers, media
elites, and analysts. There hostility towards China became particularly evident during the
Congressional and Senate hearings for President Trump’s nominees, where China was
repeatedly and viciously framed as the primary rival of the United States across
nearly all strategic domains.
His statement represents a 180-degree shift toward a more pragmatic, balanced, and
constructive U.S.-China relationship, rooted in common sense and mutual benefit
while prioritizing economic cooperation and diplomatic engagement over
unnecessary hostility.
His words—grounded in practicality and strategic foresight—have resonated globally,
bringing relief to nations that depend on Chinese trade, investment, and infrastructure
projects while fostering a more predictable and stable engagement with the United
States.
Most importantly, his pragmatic remarks have reassured global markets by signaling
a more stable and predictable trade environment between the two economic
superpowers and the rest of the world. This shift is expected to help reestablish
disrupted global supply chains, facilitate smoother and faster trade negotiations,
and eliminate trade and investment distortions, ultimately paving the way for
greater economic stability, cooperation, and global prosperity.
For nations reliant on Chinese infrastructure projects and funding, this diplomatic
recalibration provides reassurance that they will not face U.S. reprisals for
maintaining economic ties with China. It also relieves them from the delicate task of
balancing relations with both the U.S. and China, allowing them to engage in
economic partnerships without fear of geopolitical consequences.
While some may view this shift as unexpected, President Trump’s remarks align closely
with his previous statements about China and President Xi Jinping. His longstanding
stance has been rooted in pragmatism and economic realism, as reflected in his past
remarks.
In a 2024 interview with Politico, President Trump stated:
"Look, I want China to do great; I do. And I like President Xi a lot; he was a
very good friend of mine during my term."
Similarly, in a 2020 interview, he highlighted the strength of U.S.-China relations,
saying:
"Our relationship with China has now probably never been better. He's for
China, I'm for the U.S., but other than that, we love each other."
In another interview, he described President Xi as:
"A brilliant guy."
These statements confirm that President Trump’s diplomatic approach to China has
been consistent—maintaining an open line of communication with global leaders
while protecting U.S. interests. This strategic balance ensures stability in international
relations, preventing unnecessary economic and military confrontations.
President Trump’s latest remarks indicate a desire for constructive relations with
China, but they do not suggest unilateral concessions. His statements emphasize that the
U.S. will continue economic engagement with China while ensuring that trade
relations remain fair and mutually beneficial. This aligns with President Xi’s own
vision of creating a "win-win" global economy where competition and cooperation can
coexist without exploitation or undue advantages.
President Xi has long promoted the belief that the world is large enough for all nations
to prosper together. President Trump’s shift from a confrontational stance to a
diplomatic and economic one complements this perspective. Rather than fostering
division, this approach seeks to enhance global stability by focusing on trade,
investment, and diplomatic relations. By recognizing China’s economic importance
while maintaining U.S. lead in trade and diplomacy, this approach has the potential to
reshape international relations, prioritizing economic stability over conflict.
