The Development Trend of China-US Relationship in the Trump 2.0 Era

Bailin Zhu

doi:10.54097/svh6js39

Authors

Bailin Zhu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/svh6js39

Keywords:

Trump’s Second Term, Sino-US Strategic Competition, Policy Constraints, Competitive Coexistence

Abstract

This article systematically analyzes the evolution of Sino-US relations during Trump's second term. It points out that the Trump administration continued and escalated its strategic competition with China, adopting tough measures across trade and technology. However, policy implementation faces multiple constraints, including internal divisions within the US, Chinese countermeasures, and strategic overextension. Sino-US relations exhibit a complex state of "competitive coexistence," making fundamental improvement difficult. The 2026 midterm elections will be a crucial juncture, impacting the Trump administration's governing space but not altering the fundamental direction of US strategic competition with China. In the future, the competition between China and the US in areas such as technology and the economy will continue to deepen, while both sides will seek limited dialogue and risk management to avoid direct conflict. Overall, Sino-US relations will maintain a "tense but controllable" competitive state, progressing with difficulty amidst friction and probing.

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