Trump Returns to a Resurgent China Amid US-Iran War
US President Donald Trump's visit to China occurs as the US-Iran war disrupts global energy supplies and strains Washington-Beijing ties. Analysts note China has strengthened its position since Trump's last trip nearly nine years ago, predicting more equitable outcomes from any potential agreement. Chinese toymaker An'Best, based in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, exemplifies this shift: unlike during the 2018 trade war, it now faces tariffs with greater composure, having diversified production to Vietnam and Indonesia. Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia-Pacific at Natixis, states China has more cards to play in external resilience across economic leverage, defense, and international influence. The visit is part of a series examining how rivalry, interdependence, and geopolitical crises reshape US-China relations.
Key facts
- Trump's visit to China is his first in nearly nine years.
- The visit coincides with the US-Iran war disrupting global energy supplies.
- Analysts say China has strengthened its position since Trump's last visit.
- Chinese toymaker An'Best shows greater resilience to tariffs than in 2018.
- An'Best has diversified production to Vietnam and Indonesia.
- Alicia Garcia-Herrero of Natixis comments on China's increased leverage.
- The visit is part of a series on US-China relations.
- Beijing is diversifying trade relationships to reduce vulnerabilities.
Entities
Institutions
- Natixis
- An'Best
Locations
- China
- United States
- Yangzhou
- Jiangsu
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Washington
- Beijing