President Xi Jinping has sent a clear message to the incoming Trump administration, signaling Beijing’s willingness to work with the U.S. to resolve trade disputes. In a letter to the U.S.-China Business Council, Xi emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation, stating that both sides should “choose dialogue over confrontation, win-win cooperation over a zero-sum game.” He reiterated his commitment to opening up the Chinese market to foreign companies, including U.S. businesses.
These remarks echo Xi’s earlier speech at a meeting with heads of international economic organizations, where he cautioned against “tariff wars, trade wars, technology wars,” emphasizing the need for dialogue and managing differences.
The flurry of messages from Beijing reflects a sense of urgency, according to experts. Kenneth Jarrett, senior advisor at Albright Stonebridge Group, sees these overtures as a sign of “anxiety,” noting that they have been made publicly. He suggests that Chinese authorities may lack direct channels to the Trump team and are seeking to project a public image of cooperation.
Trump’s “America First” policy stance, particularly his threat of imposing additional tariffs on Chinese goods, poses a significant challenge for Chinese policymakers, who are already grappling with economic challenges. Trump has vowed to impose a 10% tariff on all U.S. imports of Chinese goods, a move that could escalate tensions between the two economic giants.
