Confrontation or friendship with China, which path will Donald Trump choose? Understand from these five signs
Washington:
After Donald Trump became the 47th President of America, most questions are being asked about his policy regarding China. Relations between the world’s two largest powers are extremely tense. But even before the formation of the new government in Washington, both the countries have shown interest in talks. Here we are mentioning five such developments in the last few days which indicate positive changes in the relations between Beijing and Washington in the future.
1-In a phone conversation with Trump on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a ‘new starting point’ in US-China relations and emphasized their ‘comprehensive shared interests’.
2-Trump said that this conversation also included discussion on TikTok, which is currently the latest dispute between the two countries. Actually, America is preparing to ban TikTok. But as soon as Trump took over as President, he postponed the ban on the popular social media platform for 75 days.
3-Trump’s executive order on TikTok is one of the new president’s signals that he is willing to negotiate with Beijing, even as he takes a tough stance on the country, America’s main geopolitical rival.
4-Xi sent Chinese Vice President Han Zheng to Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. He is the most senior official ever sent to Beijing for the swearing-in ceremony of an American President.
5-Trump also avoided imposing tariffs on Chinese goods on his first day in the White House (January 20), although he had raised this issue very loudly during the elections. He threatened to impose tariffs of more than 60% on Chinese imports into the US. Many observers believed that he would announce this on the very first day but he did not do so.
When asked about the tariffs on Monday, Trump said the tariffs imposed during his previous term as president were still in effect. He did not specify a timeframe within which he might impose more tariffs, although he said tariffs against Mexican and Canadian goods could go into effect as soon as Feb. 1.
However, while talking on TikTok, Trump also said something on which questions are being raised. But again he did not make any sharp comment. Trump suggests that the social media company may have to give up 50% stake to avoid closure.
In recent days, Trump has repeatedly suggested he might be open to an American buyer buying half of the company and running it as a 50-50 joint venture with its current Chinese owner ByteDance. Speaking in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said that if Beijing does not approve a possible agreement in the future, up to 100% tariffs could be imposed on China.
He said, “If we want to make a deal with TikTok and it would be a good deal. But China does not approve it. I think ultimately, they will approve it because maybe we will impose tariffs on China.” However, he also said that this is not the only path he can adopt.