In Focus by The Hindu Is G-2 real or mere rhetoric: Decoding the US-China ‘truce’ reached in Busan
Nov 10, 2025
Max Baucus, a former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to China, and James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation, explore the implications of the recent U.S.-China agreement in Busan. They discuss the evolving dynamics of mutual respect and the role of Trump's personality in the negotiations. Insights into the potential durability of the truce highlight institutional maturity, while concerns about Taiwan's omission and decoupling from supply chains are examined. The need for inclusive dialogue emerges as vital for crisis prevention.
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Co-Equal Powers Recognized
- Max Baucus says the Busan summit signalled US and China treating each other as co-equal powers with mutual leverage.
- He argues this mutual respect could stabilize relations but may shift dynamics for other countries like India and ASEAN.
Personality Shapes Policy Outcomes
- Baucus highlights Trump's tactical volatility and susceptibility to the last adviser who spoke to him.
- He warns that this unpredictability risks whether the Busan truce will hold long-term.
Institutionalise Dialogue Channels
- James Chau advises institutionalising working groups and communication channels to make the truce durable.
- He recommends focusing on process and crisis management rather than one-off deliverables.