The Duran Podcast China-US trade talks. Trump aims to move China away from Russia
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Oct 27, 2025 The hosts dive into the intricacies of US-China trade talks and the dynamics surrounding upcoming meetings. They explore Trump's tariff strategy and China's shift away from reliance on the US market. There’s a heated discussion about differing US policy approaches—whether to pursue an orderly separation or try to force China’s hand. Additionally, the podcast examines China's firm stance on maintaining sovereign relations and the unrealistic nature of expecting China to sever ties with Russia, warning against the dangers of intertwining trade discussions with geopolitical issues.
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China Seeks An Orderly Trade Divorce
- China is deliberately reorienting trade away from the U.S. and seeking an orderly divorce to rebalance its economy.
- Alexander Christoforou argues China expects market access to close and wants time to adjust its economic dependencies.
Tariff Escalation Followed By Chinese Counters
- Christoforou recounts U.S. tariff escalation and subsequent Chinese countermeasures like rare-earth restrictions.
- He frames recent talks as a climb-down and extension of the Madrid truce rather than a fresh deal.
U.S. Policy Is Pulled Between Two Camps
- U.S. policy toward China oscillates between pragmatic accommodation and hardline attempts to force capitulation.
- Christoforou says internal U.S. factions and flip-flopping prevent a coherent long-term China strategy.