China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, expressed hope on Tuesday that the incoming Trump administration would collaborate with Beijing “in a mutually beneficial manner” despite ongoing tensions. Wang’s comments came hours after Donald Trump remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic had strained his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he once considered a “friend.”
“We hope the new U.S. administration will make the right choice and work with China to remove disruptions and overcome obstacles,” Wang stated during a forum in Beijing, according to his ministry’s statement.
Trump, addressing reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort, reflected on his past relations with Xi, acknowledging the pandemic as a breaking point. “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 avoided confirming whether Xi would attend his inauguration but emphasized the importance of U.S.-China ties: “China and the United States can together solve all of the problems of the world.”
Trump’s Second Term Agenda and Beijing’s Strategy
Trump has signaled a more confrontational stance toward China as he prepares for his second term. His campaign promises include imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and additional levies exceeding 60% to pressure China on issues like stopping fentanyl exports to the U.S. Trump has also pledged to revoke China’s most-favored-nation trade status—a move that could reshape bilateral trade dynamics.
In response, analysts suggest China is preparing to amass bargaining chips to engage with Trump’s administration on contentious issues such as trade, technology, and investment. Beijing has shown readiness to push back, with Wang Yi emphasizing China’s firm stance: “We firmly oppose the illegal and unreasonable suppression of China by the U.S., particularly on matters like Taiwan.”
Sanctions and Hard-Line Appointments
The diplomatic environment remains volatile as Trump’s choice of China hawks for key positions signals an aggressive approach. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, remains under Chinese sanctions imposed in 2020. Rubio’s prior criticism of Beijing raises questions about how his role would affect bilateral engagement.
China’s move to quietly remove a January 2021 statement sanctioning 28 Trump administration officials from its foreign ministry website has further fueled speculation. When asked about this development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian declined to comment, stating he had “no information to offer.”
Mutual Posturing, Cautious Optimism
Despite the confrontational rhetoric, both sides have hinted at opportunities for collaboration. Trump’s remarks acknowledged the global importance of U.S.-China cooperation, while China continues to position itself for negotiations that balance engagement with resistance to U.S. policies it deems provocative.
As Trump prepares for a second term, Beijing appears both prepared to push back against hard-line policies and cautiously optimistic about finding common ground to stabilize bilateral relations.