As the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit wrapped up in Lima, Peru,
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s parting words weren’t just directed at outgoing
U.S. President Joe Biden. They were a clear message to President-elect Donald
Trump, signaling China’s willingness to work with the new U.S. administration
despite the tumultuous past between Trump and Xi. Here’s what this moment could
mean for the future of U.S.-China relations.
A Subtle Message to Trump
In his
meeting with Biden, Xi underscored the need for “mutual respect” between China
and the United States, a phrase that many took as a nod to the upcoming Trump
administration. Although Xi didn’t mention Trump by name, he acknowledged the
recent U.S. elections, emphasizing that China’s goal remains a stable and
cooperative relationship with the United States.
“The United States has recently concluded its
elections. China’s goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US
relationship remains unchanged,” Xi said. His comments seemed designed to set
a diplomatic tone before Trump takes office, signaling a readiness to engage,
despite past tensions.
A Rocky Past with Trump
Trump’s
first term from 2017 to 2021 was marked by escalating tensions with China,
leading to a fierce trade war that impacted both nations. In a bid to protect
American manufacturing, Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, sparking
retaliatory measures from Beijing. Although Trump boasted about how these
tariffs made China pay billions to the U.S., many experts argue that both
economies suffered from the prolonged standoff.
Yet,
Xi’s comments at APEC suggest a willingness to reset the relationship. "China is ready to work with the new U.S.
administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage
differences," Xi stated. It’s a call for a fresh start, but will Trump
be willing to answer?
Trump’s Tough Talk on China
Throughout
his campaign, Trump made it clear that China would remain a key focus of his
presidency. His “America First”
rhetoric struck a chord with voters, as he promised to protect American jobs
from Chinese competition. During his final campaign rally in Michigan, Trump
highlighted his past tariffs and vowed to continue putting pressure on China to
level the playing field.
“I charged China hundreds of billions of
dollars in taxes and tariffs. They paid us,” he told supporters, while also
expressing a desire to work with China. “We’re going to get along great with
China. I want to get along with them. President Xi was great until COVID came.”
Trump’s
relationship with Xi took a nosedive during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he
accused China of mishandling the virus’s initial outbreak, even labeling it the
“China virus.” However, despite these
past criticisms, Trump acknowledged in July that Xi had reached out with
supportive words after an assassination attempt on him, indicating that the door
for dialogue remains open.
Xi’s Goodbye to Biden and a Cautious Hello to Trump
Xi’s
meeting with Biden was not without its own tensions. The two leaders have had a
complex relationship, navigating issues from alleged spy balloons to economic
competition. Despite these differences, Biden and Xi managed a cordial farewell
at APEC, acknowledging the importance of open communication to avoid conflict.
Biden
used his final meeting to emphasize key U.S. priorities, including the need for
cooperation on AI technology and nuclear weapons. The White House readout of
their discussion highlighted the importance of “maintaining human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons”
and developing AI responsibly in military contexts.
Biden
also reiterated the U.S. commitment to the “One
China policy” but called for an end to China’s military maneuvers around
Taiwan, which Beijing views as part of its territory. “We expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means,”
Biden said, urging stability in the Taiwan Strait—a region that remains a
sensitive flashpoint in U.S.-China relations.
What Does This Mean for Trump’s Second Term?
With
Trump set to return to the White House, all eyes are on how he’ll handle China
in his second term. His previous approach was confrontational, using tariffs
and tough rhetoric to push back against Beijing’s influence. However, Trump has
hinted at a more nuanced strategy this time around, expressing a desire to get
along with China while also standing firm on U.S. interests.
For Xi,
the challenge will be balancing cooperation with the unpredictable nature of
Trump’s leadership. China’s economy is currently navigating a period of
recovery, and a stable relationship with the U.S. could be crucial for
long-term growth. Yet, if Trump decides to renew the trade war or take a hard
line on Taiwan, tensions could easily flare once more.
A Shift in U.S.-China Dynamics
This
APEC meeting has underscored the delicate balance that both nations are trying
to achieve. While Biden and Xi’s final encounter aimed to smooth over past
disagreements, Trump’s looming presence as the incoming leader adds a layer of
uncertainty. Trump’s administration is expected to focus on “America First” policies, which could
mean a tougher stance on trade, technology, and geopolitical issues.
Still,
Xi’s willingness to engage Trump before he’s even taken office is a signal that
China is open to negotiation, hoping to avoid another round of economic and
diplomatic confrontations. The challenge for both leaders will be finding
common ground where mutual respect does not mean compromising core national
interests.
Final Thought: A Fresh Start or a Familiar Battle?
As the
U.S. prepares for Trump’s second term, will the relationship with China see a
reset, or are both nations headed for another clash? Xi’s outreach suggests
he’s hoping for the former, but with Trump’s track record, nothing is
guaranteed. How this relationship unfolds will be crucial not just for the U.S.
and China, but for the global economy and international stability.
Your Take: Do you think Trump’s second term will bring a different approach to
China, or are we in for another round of economic battles? Share your thoughts
in the comments below!
