China In Context
The impact of Donald Trump’s re-election on US relations with China and East Asia
Nov 14, 2024
Jim McGregor, a Greater China expert and former Dow Jones head, joins Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, BBC's Asia correspondent in Taiwan, and Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute, to discuss the potential impact of Donald Trump's re-election on US-China relations. They explore the risks of new trade tariffs and how Trump's unpredictability might empower China in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan. The conversation also highlights Taiwan's defense spending amid external pressures and the intricate dynamics influencing North Korea's relationship with China.
34:13
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Trump's re-election presents both opportunities and challenges for China, with his transactional nature encouraging negotiations but also triggering aggressive trade policies that alarm Beijing.
- Taiwan is optimistic about continued U.S. military support under Trump, yet remains cautious about his unpredictability and potential conflicts with China affecting their defense strategies.
Deep dives
Trump's Unpredictability and Its Impact on China
Beijing views Donald Trump's re-election with mixed feelings, as his approach is seen as both an opportunity and a challenge. Some academics in China believe Trump’s transactional nature could enable more direct negotiations, while others express concern over his erratic behavior and his aggressive trade policies, such as proposed tariffs on Chinese imports. These tariffs particularly worry the Chinese government as they strive to stabilize their economy and rely heavily on exports. Additionally, discussions among Chinese citizens suggest a divide in sentiments, where some support Trump based on perceptions of U.S. political figures, indicating a general lack of informed voter engagement.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
