A Year Into Trump Presidency, ‘Pivot to China’ Gathers Pace

With US relations strained, China positions itself as a steadier trade partner

BEIJING/HONG KONG, Jan 29 — When US President Donald Trump took office a year ago with an “America First” agenda, many saw trouble ahead for China’s sluggish economy. Instead, Beijing has thawed frosty relationships with other trade partners to post a record trade surplus.While Trump’s policies have strained ties with traditional US allies, China has turned its focus to strengthening relationships with key partners, including Canada and India, a…

A Year Into Trump Presidency, ‘Pivot to China’ Gains Momentum

Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025 with an “America First” agenda, U.S.-China relations have been marked by escalating trade and technology disputes. Trump’s policies, including tariffs exceeding 100% on certain Chinese goods, created significant uncertainty for international markets and for China’s global trading partners. Yet Beijing responded strategically, boosting exports […] The post A Year Into Trump Presidency…

A year into Trump presidency, ‘pivot to China’ gathers pace

Beijing has thawed frosty relationships with other trade partners to post a record trade surplus. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Commentary: China’s Record $1.19 Trillion Trade Surplus Marks Economic Pivot

Commentary: China’s Record $1.19 Trillion Trade Surplus Marks Economic Pivot - As the U.S. imposes tariffs, Beijing diversifies markets and upgrades its exports, reshaping the global trade landscape

How China turned Trump’s trade war into a record surplus

China’s economy has proved resilient under renewed US tariffs, posting a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 as Beijing deepens ties with global partners and expands the yuan’s international use.

China posts record trade surplus as Trump strains allies

China posted a record $1.2T trade surplus in 2025 as President Trump’s policies strained U.S. alliances and pushed partners toward Beijing.