The Opinions How Should Trump Approach China? A Debate.
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Nov 5, 2025 
Oren Cass, founder of American Compass, and Harvard economist Jason Furman dive deep into the recent trade truce between the U.S. and China. They debate the significance of this ceasefire and whether it merely preserves the status quo. Oren advocates for decoupling from China, while Jason highlights the need for resilience rather than severing ties. They explore economic implications, the failures to support American workers, and the complexities behind tariffs. Their engaging discussion challenges existing trade paradigms and sheds light on future U.S.-China relations.
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Deal Is A Ceasefire, Not A Breakthrough
- The U.S.-China deal is largely a ceasefire that calls off planned escalations like higher tariffs and export restrictions.
- Jason Furman says ordinary Americans will feel little immediate effect beyond avoided worst-case scenarios.
2000 Assumptions About China Failed
- Oren Cass argues the 2000 decision rested on optimistic assumptions about China that proved false.
- He says those assumptions—democratization and market liberalization—did not materialize and require rethinking trade policy.
Cheap Imports Acted Like A Pay Raise
- Jason Furman traces U.S.-China trade openness back to 1979 and frames PNTR in 2000 as securing Chinese market access, not cutting U.S. tariffs.
- He contends cheaper imports acted like a real wage increase for U.S. workers despite concentrated losers.