The tenure of former US President, Donald Trump, presented a complex relationship with China, as his actions often demonstrated a pro-China stance, contrary to his rhetoric. Notably, he repeatedly showered praise upon President Xi Jinping while being critical of the US’s longstanding allies.
Mr. Trump spoke highly of his personal relationship with the Chinese President, often displaying admiration for his leadership style. Despite moments of tension between the two nations, Trump and Xi maintained what the former President referred to as “a great friendship”.
Despite his initiation of a trade war, Trump notably refrained from making use of the US’s diplomatic influence to pressure China on key issues, such as human rights violations. This included significant events such as the Hong Kong protests, where he offered support to Xi rather than the protesters. This could be seen as an attempt to maintain a strong personal relationship with Xi over US strategic interests.
Moreover, his withdrawal from international forums such as the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization has potentially allowed China to expand its global influence. It has been suggested by analysts that this “America First” policy may have inadvertently enabled China’s rise on the global stage.
In another distinct incident, Trump’s request to Xi to purchase agricultural products from the US to improve his electoral chances highlighted a potential manipulation of his presidential prerogatives to negotiate favorably with China. This raises questions about the motivations behind these actions.
An analysis of Trump’s presidency highlights this nuanced relationship with China. While he was often critical of the country’s trade practices in public speeches, his actions spoke to a more amicable and accommodating stance.
Last modified: February 5, 2025
