President Donald Trump has announced plans to travel to Beijing in May, while the United States is still navigating the economic repercussions of its costly conflict with Iran. As Trump continues to levy high tariffs on American trading partners, gas prices are on the rise, stock markets are dipping, and everyday essentials are becoming pricier for manufacturers, farmers, and families alike.
In contrast, China’s economic and strategic position has improved since Trump’s second term began. The Supreme Court has deemed Trump’s chaotic tariff policies illegal, and they haven’t restored balance in trade relations with China. Moreover, these actions have undermined the global coalition of allies that the U.S. relies on to push back against China’s unfair practices.
Despite the tariffs, the U.S. goods trade deficit grew to an all-time high of $1.23 trillion last year, surpassing previous averages during Biden’s presidency by over $105 billion. Simultaneously, China’s trade surplus surged from $992 billion in 2024 to an astonishing $1.2 trillion in 2025.
While the bilateral trade deficit between the U.S. and China has lessened, China is now redirecting many goods to the U.S. via third countries, often in violation of trade laws, an issue the Trump administration has neglected to tackle.
Many of Trump’s policies have been detrimental to crucial sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and shipping—areas vital for U.S. competition with China. Since his return to office, the manufacturing sector has lost about 100,000 jobs, with a notable 12% decline in manufacturing-related construction.
Farmers in the U.S. have seen over $14 billion in sales losses to China and faced more than $4 billion in increased costs. Particularly hard-hit are soybean farmers; China’s purchases plummeted from 26.8 million tons in 2024 to just 7.4 tons in 2025.
Efforts to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which had received support from various political and industry factions, came to a halt last year when Trump waived critical fees for Chinese vessels after a meeting with Xi Jinping.
Moreover, Trump’s administration is putting further strain on American shipyard and port workers by attacking the offshore wind sector, resulting in canceled orders and job losses due to significant cuts in government assistance.
In summary, Trump has not done much to even the playing field regarding trade with China and has, arguably, exacerbated the issues. His upcoming visit might just showcase his flair for confrontation instead of effective negotiation.
When meeting with Xi, it’s essential for Trump to insist that the Chinese Communist Party restore equilibrium in trade and adhere to market principles, uphold human rights, and stop practices like subsidies, illegal dumping, and currency manipulation. The use of forced labor in China is also alarming for American workers.
Additionally, Trump should prioritize changes in China’s rare earth policies, as restrictive practices have created a hazardous monopoly that jeopardizes U.S. national defense and economic security.
If China is not willing to engage constructively in rebalancing relations, it may face a reevaluation of its trade privileges with the U.S.
In the interim, the U.S. should impose targeted tariffs and anti-dumping measures where China’s market misconduct jeopardizes American interests. The revenue from these tariffs could fund the revitalization of domestic manufacturing in crucial sectors.
Trump also needs to convey to Xi that threats against Taiwan cannot be tolerated, underscoring that any conflict would have dire consequences. Unfortunately, the ongoing conflict in Iran is costing taxpayers around $1 billion daily, limiting military resources in the Indo-Pacific and undermining deterrence. Delaying a significant arms deal with Taiwan and failing to mention the island in national defense strategy could further embolden Xi.
Instead of distancing himself from allies, Trump should bring together the U.S. and its partners to challenge China’s unfair practices, boost domestic industries, and counter China’s aspirations for dominance in Asia.
Any agreement Trump contemplates with China should prioritize American workers and families and ensure peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. Otherwise, he risks another unsuccessful summit with Xi, which could intensify economic challenges for the U.S. and its allies.
