China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, expressed optimism on Tuesday that the incoming Trump administration would make the right decisions and work with China in a mutually beneficial way to overcome any challenges. His comments came hours after President-elect Donald Trump discussed his strained relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, blaming the COVID-19 pandemic as a key factor.
“We hope the new U.S. administration will make the right choice and work with China in a mutually beneficial manner to remove disruptions and overcome obstacles,” Wang Yi said during a forum in Beijing. His remarks came in response to Trump’s comments made earlier during his first press conference since winning the election.
Trump described Xi as a “friend” but mentioned that their relationship had soured due to the pandemic. “We had a very good relationship until COVID,” Trump said. “COVID didn’t end the relationship, but it was a bridge too far for me.” Trump made these comments during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, when asked whether Xi would attend his inauguration. Although their relationship had become strained, Trump still referred to Xi as a friend.
After Joe Biden’s inauguration in January 2021, China expressed its willingness to work with the new U.S. administration. However, China also imposed sanctions on former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and 27 other top officials from the Trump administration, who had been involved in key policies towards China.
Ahead of Trump’s return to the White House, both the U.S. and China have been setting out their positions. Trump’s first term was marked by a trade war with China, which disrupted global supply chains, increased inflation, and raised borrowing costs.
Trump has indicated his policy toward China will remain tough, with plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods to pressure China over fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. He has also suggested ending China’s most-favored-nation trading status and imposing tariffs exceeding 60% on Chinese imports, much higher than during his first term.
In response, China is reportedly preparing to strengthen its bargaining position and engage in talks with the U.S. on key issues such as trade, investment, and technology. Trump has nominated several China hawks for key diplomatic and economic roles, signaling a more confrontational approach towards China compared to his first term.
Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who has been targeted by China with sanctions since 2020, has been nominated to be the next Secretary of State under Trump’s administration.
In response to the U.S. stance, Wang Yi reiterated China’s position, saying Beijing “firmly opposes the illegal and unreasonable suppression of China by the U.S.” He also emphasized that China will take a firm stance on U.S. interference in its internal affairs, particularly with regard to Taiwan.
Despite growing tensions, both sides seem to recognize the need for cooperation on global issues. Trump has said, “China and the United States can together solve all of the problems of the world.” However, with both nations gearing up for potential conflicts over various issues, the future of their relationship remains uncertain.
