Chinese elites see President Trump as a pragmatic leader who weakens U.S. global influence but presents a historic opportunity for Beijing.
China’s top leadership is increasingly viewing President Donald Trump as a pragmatic ally rather than a dangerous adversary, according to Beijing insiders. Despite his unpredictable nature, many in China see Trump as a unique opportunity to advance their global position—especially as he weakens America’s standing with allies and adversaries alike.
Since Trump’s return to power earlier this year, China has adjusted its approach to U.S. relations, moving from panic to strategic engagement. Unlike during his first term, when the Trump administration expanded the trade war into an ideological contest, China now seems ready to engage in piecemeal agreements, and perhaps even more ambitious cooperation.
At a meeting in South Korea on October 30, Trump offered concessions to China, including a temporary pause on export controls for blacklisted Chinese companies. In exchange, China promised to purchase soybeans and made vague promises to limit smuggled shipments of fentanyl-related chemicals.
Despite these gestures, China’s leaders remain cautious about Trump’s reliability, acknowledging that his unpredictability poses challenges. However, analysts argue that China is looking for ways to leverage Trump’s nationalist agenda for strategic gains, particularly in Taiwan, North Korea, and the South China Sea.
Trump’s willingness to engage with Beijing, often without the ideological constraints that other U.S. presidents have faced, has led China to treat him as a peer. Some experts speculate that China could even persuade Trump to publicly oppose Taiwanese independence or reduce U.S. military presence in the region, advancing China’s territorial ambitions while maintaining a semblance of cooperation with Washington.
