
In the world of international politics, the relationship between America and China has always been full of ups and downs. Both countries are considered the biggest contenders on the global stage as economic, technological and military power. America has been leading the world for a long time, while China is a rapidly emerging superpower. In such a situation, when Donald Trump became the President of America, his policies created more tension in these relations.
Trump’s attitude towards China was quite aggressive. He not only attacked China on the economic front, but also made harsh statements many times at the political and strategic level. His tenure is considered to be one of the most tense periods in US-China relations.
➡Trump’s thinking about China
Trump had described China as America’s biggest rival during his election campaign itself. He said that American industry, employment and technology are suffering huge losses due to China.
✅Economic threat – Trump believed that China follows unfair trade policies, which are weakening American industries.
✅Technology theft – He repeatedly alleged that China steals technology from American companies and benefits its own companies.
✅Military expansion – Trump also saw China’s growing military power and its interference in the Asia-Pacific region as a threat.
✅COVID-19 issue – During the Corona epidemic, Trump directly attacked China and even called it the “Chinese virus”.
➡Trump and trade war
Trump’s biggest attack came in the form of a trade war on China.
In 2018, the Trump administration imposed heavy tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods coming from China.
In response, China also increased tariffs on American goods.
This trend continued and the trade war between the two countries affected the economy of the whole world.
➡Results
American farmers and companies were affected.
China’s export-based economy also suffered a setback.
Instability increased in global markets.
➡Attack on tech companies
Trump did not limit himself to trade but also targeted Chinese tech companies.
✅ Huawei – The Trump administration accused Huawei of espionage and kept it away from 5G networks in the US.
✅TikTok and WeChat – Trump also tried to ban these popular Chinese apps, saying that they pose a threat to data security.
✅Attack on the supply chain – Many American companies were prevented from doing business with Chinese tech companies.
Covid-19 and Trump’s attack on China
The Corona epidemic completely spoiled the relationship between Trump and China.
Trump said that the virus spread from Wuhan city of China and China hid it.
He repeatedly called it the “Chinese virus”, which increased the controversy at the international level.
Trump even talked about demanding compensation from China for the epidemic.
➡Diplomatic front
The Trump administration also surrounded China at the diplomatic level.
Hong Kong issue – When China showed toughness on Hong Kong, Trump opposed it and imposed new sanctions on China regarding Hong Kong’s autonomy.
Support of Taiwan – America opposed China’s policies regarding Taiwan and sold weapons there.
South China Sea – America rejected China’s claims and put pressure by sending its navy.
➡China’s response
China also responded to every attack of Trump.
China called America “the real provocateur of the world”.
Pressure was put on American companies in their country.
Tried to strengthen relations with Asian countries.
➡Global impact
The impact of this confrontation between America and China was not limited to just the two countries.
The global economy was negatively affected.
Smaller countries were forced to take the side of America or China.
The confrontation between the two countries became clearly visible even in international organizations.
➡2024 and Trump’s attempt to return
Trump again started attacking China in the 2024 elections.
He said that if he becomes president again, he will take more stringent steps against China.
Trump claimed that China is trying to weaken America.
➡Criticism and support
There were mixed reactions in America regarding Trump’s policies.
Supporters believe that Trump protected America’s interests by exposing China’s real move to the world.
Critics say that his policies also harmed America and weakened global cooperation.
➡Conclusion
Trump’s attack on China was not just political rhetoric, but it reflects America’s thinking which considers China as its biggest challenge. From the economic front to the technical and strategic level, Trump tried every possible way to stop China.
However, neither America got complete victory from this confrontation nor China bowed down. But there is no doubt that Trump changed the direction of global politics regarding China. This confrontation will remain the biggest story of international relations in the coming years as well.