What are the relations between China and the United States since …

This time, Donald Trump will not be entitled to a private visit to the Forbidden City in Beijing. Unlike in 2017, the welcome was much colder on Wednesday for the return of the American president to the Middle Kingdom. While mutual respect between the two superpowers was palpable nine years ago, this year, it is no longer the case. Despite the displayed cordiality, diplomatic relations have deteriorated since Donald Trump returned to power. And the balance of power seems to have shifted. So, what is the real state of current relations between these two world master countries?

“The America, a declining empire” The New York Times mentions a China that “increasingly sees Trump’s America as a declining empire.” For several decades, the two blocs – the American liberal and the Chinese communist – have had numerous points of contention. But the issue of respect or even a certain form of admiration for China vis-à-vis Uncle Sam persisted. Now, the Asian giant considers itself at least equal to the United States, to the point of wondering if it has become the world’s leading power.

Symbol of the “anything goes” or even “downfall” of the United States, the conflict in the Middle East will be at the heart of this Wednesday summit. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz paralyzes Beijing since China imports more than 70% of the oil it needs through this strategic maritime corridor. But Xi Jinping is well aware that this blockade also heavily impacts the United States.

“The crucial role of China in the war in the Middle East” Officially, China positions itself as a mediator in the prolonged war in the Middle East. The Chinese president has pledged that his country “would continue to play a constructive role” in resuming talks with Iran. Better, he even seeks to appear as a guarantor of peace because China has significant influence on Tehran.

While the American operation in Iran drags on and Trump’s popularity is plummeting, the Chinese president could take advantage of this weakness at the negotiating table. And gain diplomatic ascendancy over his best enemy.

“A fierce trade rivalry” On the commercial front, the United States and China currently maintain very tense diplomatic relations. Since the increase in tariffs imposed by Donald Trump last year, American imports of Chinese products have plummeted, from $108.5 billion in the first quarter of 2024 to $67.3 billion in 2026. In two years, the share of Chinese products in total US imports has dropped from 13.8% to 7.8%, due to American tariffs ranging from 25% to 30%.

However, China continues to benefit from the American market by passing through countries like Vietnam or Taiwan: Vietnamese exports to the United States have increased by 50%, and Taiwanese ones by 94%. The goal is to suffocate the Chinese economy, but it is cleverly circumventing the restrictions. The two powers remain economically dependent on each other, even with this commercial rivalry.

“Silent showdown in the South China Sea” In the background, this summit takes place in a context of deeper distrust, especially in the South China Sea. Beijing claims almost the entire area and has turned some reefs into real military bases. The US Navy regularly conducts operations to challenge these claims.

And the conflict in Iran has not eased this tension. Massive no-fly zones were imposed by Beijing in the South China Sea and East China Sea between March 27 and May 6. China uses these points of friction as low-cost testing zones. “There is no other possible use than military,” explains maritime security expert Benjamin Blandin to AFP. This can be for missile launches, aerial exercises, etc. We don’t know. This fuels a new source of tension between two countries wary of each other.