China is pleased with Trump administration

                Trump’s American First policy is somehow playing advantages for China. Although it is predicted for the possibility of Trade war between two nations, due to the clash of policies (such as Made in China 2025 Plan by which China aims to become the top global manufacturer), so far, the two countries have been pursuing relatively positive relationship.

                In early presidency, Trump tried to use “One China Policy”, the recognition of Taiwan as part of PRC, to manipulate China trade practices and deflation of currency. Though a month later, in February 2017, he admitted to recognize “One China Policy” as U. S always has since 1979. The blooming of positive relation started to grow with the withdrawal of U.S from Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). It is the main act of Asia Pivot Policy of the previous administration, an economic pact to counter China from becoming a regional economic power. The action of new administration somehow describes that U.S is no longer pursuing anti-China policy. Another factor is U.S response to South China Sea dispute. China and ASEAN countries (Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei) have overlapped claims of islands in South China sea which are important to China for both economic and military reasons. The involvement of U.S would mean tremendous support for ASEAN countries, whom as small as they are, cannot oppose to China completely. However, the only clear mention Trump gave towards the dispute was, “If I can help mediate or arbitrate, please let me know”, during his Asia trip in November 2017. China realizes that U.S is now assuming pro-isolationist stance and will not engage in the dispute by its own accord.

                Of course, there were several events that could ruin this newly developed U.S-China relation. Trump did blame China for its non-cooperative actions in North Korea issues and he did launch trade attack against China through its aluminum imports. Though it is also worth to mention these two countries’ fruitful high-profile visits.  At the first meeting between two leaders, Trump shared information with Xi of U.S missile strikes in Syria. Trump’s present in China as part of his Asia visit, also ended with good impression of the nation. His speech included “who can blame a nation for taking advantage of another nation for the sake of its citizens.”

Of course, the above-mentioned obstacles, shift back and forth of Trump polices, are only able to overcome with the compromise of China. It’s a rare chance for China to have a such positive and advantageous position with U.S, Xi is not willing to let it slide due to certain comments of Trump. It is safe to assume that China is pleased with the new administration since it is not harsh enough on globalism as it were before but also not much protectionism to corrupt the trade between the two countries. OF course, this would not mean both China or U.S is abandoning their national interests for positive bilateral relationship, however, the interests of these two nations are favoring each other, and let the world to see changing trend of two superpower nations.

-Htar Myat Nadi