The Contours of U.S. – China Relations in the Trump 2.0 Era

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has reignited debates about the future of U.S.-China relations, a cornerstone of global geopolitics. His first term saw the relationship defined by escalating trade tensions and a sharp departure from traditional diplomacy, setting the stage for the Biden administration’s hardline, bipartisan approach to Beijing. As speculation mounts, this Policy Outlook delves into the potential trajectory of U.S.-China relations under the second Trump presidency, drawing from his past policies, campaign rhetoric, anticipated key appointments, and insights from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 Document. By drawing on these sources, this work aims to provide a thoughtful exploration of the economic and diplomatic strategies that may influence this important bilateral relationship.