Trump 2.0 has an opportunity to reset relations between the United States of China

Before the first administration of President Trump, the presidents gave priority that enhances a constructive relationship between the United States and China through participation, while recognizing the importance of alignment with mutual interests to maintain stability and avoid conflict.

This participation strategy arrived in Zenith during the George W. Bush administration. The delegations regularly traveled between Washington and Beijing, with almost high -level conversations per month. Of course, participation was not limited to diplomacy; It spanned multiple levels of the government. Agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the internal revenue service participate directly with their Chinese counterparts, exchange experiences and enhance cooperation.

Upon taking office in 2017, Trump changed the relationship with China from participating to confrontation. China received the demands of access to markets and reciprocity. For him, the efforts of the previous administration were very slow, ineffective and are not in line with American interests – especially in addressing the American trade deficit, which was essential in his thinking.

He flawlessly turned from the cooperative approach to previous departments and shocked every channel of cooperation with China. Trump stopped building the relationship at the cabinet level and canceling the regularly identified dialogues. These mechanisms have been replaced to participate in public demands unilaterally, indicating a very confrontation position.

The strategy did not succeed. Today, the trade deficit with China remained without treatment and little has changed.

Former President Joe Biden took office in 2021 with the intention of re -calibrating relations between the United States and China, and promised a more balanced and accurate approach. This vision quickly disintegrates. Just three months after his administration, the first high -level meeting between us and Chinese officials, in Ancorag, Alaska, put a new tone.

The American team came to discuss Taiwan and Hong Kong, spying, military expansion and human rights violations – all topics that are sensitive to the Chinese. These issues, instead of trade, framing discussions. In the end, the Chinese delegation criticized the United States for being a “concession”, while US officials accused China of “major”. This is a controversial dynamic that has continued throughout the Biden period, to this day, characterized by limited participation and lack of cooperation.

Now, the new administration is an opportunity to re -calibrate relations between the United States of China again. Trump received China with huge demands to reach markets and reciprocity. His definitions correspond to Chinese goods with his negotiation style: starting with long situations before they are converging in a practical solution. Such tactics are controversial but have the ability to return China to the negotiating table.

While his guidelines have not changed, it may be more practical the second time. Trump has a more experienced team, and they will focus on the commercial goals that the Chinese feel comfortable talking, such as intellectual property, American exports, access to financial services, Chinese benefits, and improving market access in general.
 
This may be a gift for China. They will be served better by sharing with Trump
The administration was without association with the Biden administration. China can finally expect a kind of reset.

Renewable dialogue can address economic and commercial issues, as both countries have common denominators. Returning to diplomacy, even under difficult circumstances, will better serve both countries than the current situation of stagnation and lack of confidence – but China needs to come to the negotiating table first.

James Rice worked and lived in China from 1991 to 2016 and served as ruler of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai from 2006 to 2012.