Breaking News: As Donald Trump returns to the global stage following his re-election in November 2024, his approach to China has once again come under scrutiny….Read More 👇

China and Trump’s Approach: A Lack of Caution and Understanding

Kerry Brown, who served as a British diplomat in Beijing from 1998 to 2005 and now directs the Lau China Institute, has expressed concerns about the unpredictability and bluntness of Donald Trump’s approach to China.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post published April 13, 2025, Brown remarked that “the Chinese must be stunned by the lack of caution and understanding” Trump displays in negotiations with Beijing, describing threats and zero-sum tactics as “the worst possible strategy” for dealing with China.

This perspective sheds light on the complexities of U.S.-China relations during Trump’s second term, which began in January 2025, and how China might perceive his diplomatic style.

Trump’s Tactics: Bold Moves, Little Nuance

Since taking office, Trump has escalated economic pressure on China, notably through tariffs.

By March 2025, he imposed steep tariffs on Chinese goods—25% on steel and aluminum, 10% on other imports, with threats of up to 100% on certain products like electric vehicles and semiconductors.

These moves aim to curb China’s trade surplus with the U.S., which hit $279 billion in 2024, and to bolster American manufacturing.

However, Brown argues that this aggressive posturing misunderstands China’s negotiating culture, which values patience, face-saving, and long-term strategy over confrontational ultimatums.