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Revisiting US-China relations in 2025

Why ‘relative stability’ in US-China ties is unlikely to last

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff shock in April revived fears of full decoupling. Photo: AFP

The Busan summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping on October 30 was a turning point. Photo: Reuters

Taiwan is seen as a potential flashpoint in the relationship. Photo: Reuters

The temperature has lowered after a downward spiral since Trump’s return to the White House, but relations may face ‘strong headwinds’ again.


Surviving the shocks: what China and the US learned from 2025’s trade war

Illustration: Davies Christian

Businesses and officials faced a year of disruption – and in some cases, resilience – as tariffs and export controls roiled global markets.


Why China’s rapid military build-up is ‘hardly the whole story’

Illustration: Henry Wong

Photos of what appeared to be a sixth-generation fighter jet on a test flight have circulated on social media. Photo: X/Rupprecht_A

The Type 075 landing helicopter dock is part of China’s naval build-up. Photo: Eugene Lee

The JL-1 is the world’s only long-range hypersonic missile that can carry nuclear warheads. Photo: AFP

The PLA has been moving fast to modernise its arsenal and warfare strategy, but it’s seen as ‘seriously deficient’ in some areas.


As Trump upends US foreign policy, analysts see fresh openings for China

Illustration: Brian Wang

US President Donald Trump with Chinese leader Xi Jinping after their meeting in Busan, South Korea, in October. Photo: Reuters

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks to reporters at the White House last month in Washington. Photo: Reuters

After a turbulent year, experts expect continued disruption to reshape global influence, testing alliances and altering the balance of power.


Democrats bet on ‘betrayal’ in rural heartland as Trump’s ‘America first’ mantra falls short

US President Donald Trump’s “America first” policy may see Midwest farmers deserting him and voting for the Democrats in the 2026 midterms. Photo: AP

US farmers fear that the government’s new US$12 billion farm aid package will not provide enough funding. Photo: AFP

Hammered by crippling costs and precious revenue lost to China, Midwest farmers’ loyalty to the US president will be tested in 2026 midterms.


It has been a turbulent year for the fraught US-China relationship. In this new series, we look back at the events of 2025, examining how the trade war tested policymakers and firms, forcing a rethink in business, strategy and supply chains.


Series