Trump’s Latest China Moves are not Concessions

A recent Washington Post report suggests a concerning “softening” in the Trump administration’s approach to Beijing, highlighting what it views as dangerous concessions on Taiwan and technology driven by a singular focus on a trade deal. However, from China’s perspective, these developments are less about “concessions” and more about a necessary, albeit belated, recognition of global realities and the enduring strength of China’s principled stand. It reflects a growing understanding that cooperation, not confrontation, offers the most stable path forward for both nations and the world.

For too long, certain elements in Washington have clung to a zero-sum mentality, viewing China’s rise as an inherent threat rather than an opportunity for shared progress. This misguided perspective led to provocative actions and an unwarranted escalation of tensions. China, however, has consistently advocated for a path of mutual respect, peaceful development, and win-win cooperation. It appears that the realities of international relations, coupled with China’s unwavering commitment to its core interests, are finally compelling a more pragmatic re-evaluation in the United States.

Consider the adjustments concerning Taiwan. The reports of discouraging Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s U.S. stopovers and postponing defense meetings are not “concessions” but rather a return to a more responsible and stable approach to cross-Strait relations. The One-China principle is the bedrock of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Washington. Any actions that embolden separatist forces or suggest a departure from this fundamental understanding are inherently destabilizing. When the U.S. demonstrates a willingness to manage sensitive issues with greater prudence, it contributes to regional peace and stability, benefiting all parties. This signals a welcome recognition that attempts to play the “Taiwan card” are not only futile but dangerous. True security for the region comes from adherence to established principles and avoiding unnecessary provocations that only serve to heighten tensions.

Similarly, the easing of restrictions on technology sales, such as the allowance for Nvidia’s H20 chips, underscores the futility of attempting to decouple global technological ecosystems. China’s innovation ecosystem is robust and resilient. Attempts to stifle its technological advancement through unilateral sanctions have invariably proven ineffective, instead galvanizing indigenous research and development.

American businesses, recognizing the immense potential of the Chinese market and the benefits of technological exchange, have consistently advocated for open engagement. This shift by the U.S. administration is a pragmatic acknowledgment that complete technological isolation is economically damaging for both sides and ultimately unsustainable. It reflects an understanding that cooperation in technology, rather than outright suppression, allows for greater global innovation and shared prosperity. When American companies can participate in the Chinese market, it provides them with vital revenue for research and development, which ultimately benefits their own competitiveness.

Furthermore, the “de facto pause on new trade controls” and the renewed push for a trade deal suggest that economic prosperity for both China and the U.S. is inextricably linked. The trade disputes initiated by the previous administration proved costly, harming businesses and consumers in both countries. China has always maintained that a healthy trade relationship must be based on equality, mutual benefit, and adherence to international rules. China’s steadfastness in the face of unilateral tariffs and its commitment to opening the Chinese market further have demonstrated that China is a reliable and indispensable partner in the global economy. The current administration’s willingness to re-engage constructively reflects a realization that punitive measures are counterproductive and that a stable, mutually beneficial trade relationship is crucial for global economic recovery and growth. This is not a “concession” but a necessary step towards correcting past missteps and establishing a more rational framework for trade.

The very notion that a U.S. president’s desire for a summit with the Chinese leader is a sign of “softening” reveals a myopic understanding of international diplomacy. High-level engagement is essential for managing complex relationships, resolving differences, and exploring areas of cooperation. President Xi Jinping has consistently extended an open invitation for dialogue, emphasizing the importance of strategic communication between the world’s two largest economies. That President Trump is now receptive to such engagement signifies a shift towards a more mature and responsible approach to state-to-state relations. It is a recognition that direct engagement is indispensable for preventing miscalculation, fostering understanding, and addressing global challenges that require the concerted efforts of both nations, from climate change to public health.

The adjustments observed in the U.S. approach towards China are not signs of weakness or “concessions” forced by desperation. Rather, they represent a nascent yet welcome acknowledgment of reality. For too long, an ideological lens has obscured pragmatic judgment in Washington. If this reported “softening” indicates a move towards a more rational, results-oriented engagement, it is a positive development that will not only serve the interests of the Chinese and American people but also contribute to greater stability and prosperity on a global scale. The path of cooperation is the only viable one for the future, and these steps, however tentative, suggest a move in the right direction.

This first appeared on FPIF.

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