Why Beijing isn't taking the bait with Trump | Brookings

Beijing is focused on strengthening its long-term position for competing with the United States, not on securing breakthroughs with Trump.

Research September 9, 2026 During his second term, President Trump has made notable conciliatory gestures toward Xi Jinping and China, even as his administration has advanced a range of competitive actions. Beijing has not let its guard down. China remains focused on strengthening its long-term position for competing with the United States, not on securing breakthroughs with Trump. Chinese leaders continue to treat strategic competition as an enduring and undiminished attribute of the relationship. Beijing is working to buy time to build greater capacity to withstand the pressure it…

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