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ICAS Bulletin (online ISSN 2836-3418, print ISSN 2836-340X) is published every other week throughout the year at 1919 M St NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036.
The online version of ICAS Bulletin can be found at chinaus-icas.org/bulletins/.
– On November 16 on the sidelines of the APEC Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping met U.S. President Joe Biden, urging cooperation and warning President-elect Donald Trump against crossing China’s red lines. President Xi stressed avoiding conflict as U.S.-China relations face new challenges.
– During their final meeting of the Biden administration, presidents Biden and Xi discussed Taiwan, military communication, and managing U.S.-China relations, with Xi signaling a readiness to engage with the upcoming Trump administration. Biden raised concerns over China’s support for Russia and emphasized the need for peace in the Taiwan Strait.
– Presidents Biden and Xi also agreed that nuclear weapon decisions should remain under human control and emphasized the need for cautious development of AI in military applications. This marks a first direct discussion between the U.S. and China on such critical issues.
– Speaking at the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru, Xi Jinping criticized unilateralism and protectionism—two popular trends of Donald Trump’s first administration—and emphasized China’s commitment to globalization and attracting foreign investment. He highlighted measures like expanding free trade zones and fostering trade ties with Latin America to counter the potential impact of Trump’s protectionist agenda, should that trend reemerge.
Associated News References:
“Xi’s Olive Branch To Trump Comes With Warning On Red Lines,” Bloomberg, November 18
“In Their Final Meeting, Xi Tells Biden He Is “Ready To Work With A New Administration”,” CBS News, November 17
“Biden, Xi Agree That Humans, Not AI, Should Control Nuclear Arms,” Reuters, November 16
“As Trump Return Looms, China’s Xi At APEC Criticises Protectionism,” Reuters, November 16
– Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng, speaking in Hong Kong on November 15 before Chinese officials and U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, emphasized Beijing’s desire to strengthen U.S.-China dialogue and become friendly partners with the U.S.
– President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State has signaled to observers a more aggressive U.S. stance on China over the next four years, with a focus on human rights, Taiwan, and heightened trade tensions.
– Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing that countering U.S. containment of Russia and China is their most important task. Both sides emphasized strengthening their partnership amid growing tensions with the U.S. and global challenges.
– Before heading to the U.S. for high-level talks, Indonesia’s President Subianto called for collaboration with China, signing $10 billion in deals and elevating security as a key area of cooperation.
– Wu Xinbo, a Foreign Ministry adviser, said that China is open to a deal with U.S. President-elect Trump but anticipates difficult negotiations, with tariffs being a key issue. Wu emphasized the need for early talks between Trump and Xi to address mutual concerns and avoid a potential trade war.
– President Xi Jinping congratulated President-elect Trump on his election victory while urging cooperation amid tensions over trade, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. Meanwhile, Trump’s proposed tariffs and ‘transactional’ approach leave observers expecting challenges and tensions ahead for U.S.-China relations.
Associated News References:
“China is willing to be partners, friends with the U.S., Chinese envoy says,” CNBC, November 16
“Rubio Pick Signals A Trump China Policy That Could Go Beyond Tariffs,” Reuters, November 14
“Putin Ally Says Russia And China Must Counter Any US Attempt At Containment,” Reuters, November 12
“Indonesia’s New Leader Calls For Collaboration With China Before Heading To The U.S.,” NBC News, November 11
“China Wants A Deal With Trump, Foreign Ministry Adviser Says,” Bloomberg, November 8
“Trade, Taiwan And Now Trump: China Braces For A Volatile New Era In U.S. Ties,” NBC News, November 7
– The Pentagon confirmed that it had notified China ahead of a November 5 Minuteman III missile test launch being conducted in the Pacific Ocean, mirroring China’s own similar pre-launch notice given in September to the U.S. Department of Defense as part of improved efforts to reduce miscalculation risks and encourage missile transparency.
– China showcased modernized H-6 bombers in war games near Taiwan last month, simulating strikes and emphasizing its growing military capabilities. A Pentagon spokesperson, said the U.S. was “prepared to respond to any threat and protect the homeland” and reiterated how U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin “has often said that he does not believe conflict with the PRC is imminent nor inevitable.”
– China showcased its new J-35A stealth fighter at the Zhuhai airshow, marking its debut as the second stealth model in the PLA’s arsenal alongside the J-20. This milestone makes China the only country besides the U.S. to operate two stealth fighter models, with the J-20 often compared to the American F-22.
– China has increased military flights around Taiwan by 300% since May, with 1,085 airspace violations being reported following Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration. In response, U.S. officials warn of Beijing’s growing aggression and its challenge to U.S. regional presence.
Associated News References:
“China Warned About US Nuclear Missile Test: Pentagon,” Newsweek, November 13
“Cold War Bomber Enhances China’s Ability To Strike US Bases,” Reuters, November 13
“China Displays New Stealth Fighter In Race To Match U.S.,” The Wall Street Journal, November 12
“China Has Increased Military Flights Near Taiwan By 300%, U.S. General Says,” NBC News, November 8
– European aerospace leaders highlighted the need to counter growing competition from U.S. and Chinese defense and space industries, instead urging collaboration and consolidation. As Europe braces for potential trade tariffs under Trump, concerns also center on scaling up to compete globally with giants like SpaceX and China’s rising aerospace capabilities.
– Information was revealed this week that Amazon representatives had faced a closed-door meeting with the House Select Committee on China in September over their partnership with TikTok amid national security concerns and a looming U.S. ban on the Chinese-owned app. The collaboration, announced in August, integrates Amazon’s shopping platform with TikTok’s userbase.
– Founder of the Fujian-based battery maker CATL, Robin Zeng, signaled interest in a U.S. battery plant if Trump allows Chinese investments. Zeng also critiqued Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s battery strategy but praised his focus on AI-driven autonomous vehicles.
– Fashion company Steven Madden plans to cut nearly half its China production within a year, anticipating the onset of tariffs promised by President-elect Trump. Despite years of diversification efforts, over 70% of the company’s imports still come from China, highlighting the challenges of shifting production.
Associated News References:
“Aerospace Firms Urge More European Collaboration Ahead Of Trump Return,” Reuters, November 19
“Amazon Questioned By Congress Over Growing TikTok Relationship,” Bloomberg, November 14
“Exclusive: China Battery Giant CATL Would Build US Plant If Trump Allows It,” Reuters, November 13
“Steven Madden C.E.O. Says It Is Moving Production Out of China,” The New York Times, November 8
– For the first time since 2009, the number of Indian students surpassed Chinese students at U.S. colleges, as experts question how Trump’s immigration and China policies may impact future enrollment demographics. California remains the top destination for Chinese students.
– Asian American groups are preparing resources and support as Trump’s deportation plans target undocumented Chinese immigrants of military age, citing national security concerns.
– AstraZeneca’s China executive Leon Wang as well as several current and former employees are under investigation in China over alleged illegal drug imports and improper patient data collection.
– German authorities detained a U.S. citizen for allegedly attempting to share U.S. military secrets with Chinese intelligence. The former civilian contractor is accused of offering classified information about American operations in Germany and faces serious espionage charges.
– Chinese cyclist Yifei Xu biked across the U.S., relying on strangers’ kindness to showcase humanity’s goodness and turning his journey into a personal diplomatic mission amid tense U.S.-China relations.
Associated News References:
“California Retains No. 1 Ranking For International Student Enrollment As Concerns Grow Over Trump,” Los Angeles Times, November 17
“As Sources Say Trump Could Deport Undocumented Chinese First, Asian American Groups Rush To Prep,” NBC News, November 15
“China Has Detained A Senior AstraZeneca Executive,” The Wall Street Journal, November 7
“Germany Arrests American Accused Of Trying To Pass China Info After Work As U.S. Military Contractor,” CBS News, November 7
“Chinese Man Cycles Across The U.S. To ‘Show That Human Nature Is Good’,” NBC News, November 7
“Xi Jinping Tells Joe Biden He Will Work With Donald Trump To Manage US-China Ties,” Financial Times, November 17
“North Carolina Senator’s Office Allegedly Told Woman To ‘Move To China’ After She Expressed Concerns Over Abortion Policy,” NBC News, November 16
“T-Mobile Hacked In Massive Chinese Breach Of Telecom Networks, WSJ Reports,” Reuters, November 15
“Merck Snags Chinese Cancer Drug For Up To $3.3 Billion,” Bloomberg, November 14
“Chinese Official Endorses Cooperation With The U.S. On Space Exploration,” Space News, November 14
“Experts Say Trump’s Threatened China Tariffs Could Actually Help Beijing Weather An Economic Storm,” CBS News, November 13
“China-Linked Hackers Stole Wiretap Data From Telcos, FBI And CISA Say,” Politico, November 13
“South America’s ‘Made In China’ Megaport Prepares To Transform Trade,” Financial Times, November 13
“China Urges ‘Constructive Dialogue’ On Climate Change Under Donald Trump,” Financial Times, November 12
“Aftermath of Trump’s win eclipses Chinese solar project in Texas,” Politico, November 11
“Apple Faces Chinese Developer’s Lawsuit in Echo of Fortnite Case,” Bloomberg, November 11
“Southeast Asia Prepares For Factories Fleeing Trump Tariffs On China,” Reuters, November 10
“US Lawmakers Press Top Chip Equipment Makers For Details On China Sales,” Reuters, November 8
“TSMC To Close Door On Producing Advanced AI Chips For China From Monday,” Financial Times, November 8
ICAS 2024 Annual Conference Trump 2.0: Will U.S.-China Relations Prosper, Suffer or Muddle Through?
ICAS will hold its 2024 Annual Conference in-person at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, December 12, 2024!
Register today to join us and save your seat!
Featuring a keynote by Minister Qiu Wenxing (Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States), a luncheon speech by Stephen Orlins (National Committee on U.S.-China Relations), and four expert panels, this year’s conference will assess the upcoming challenges and opportunities in U.S.-China relations amidst Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office. Lunch will be provided to registered guests.
The Return of Donald Trump and its Implications for U.S.-China Relations
Monday, November 18, 2024
On November 18, 2024, ICAS hosted a virtual public event to discuss the prospects for U.S.-China relations during the impending second Trump administration. The event featured two panelists: Dr. Robert Sutter, Professor of Practice of International Affairs at the Elliott School, George Washington University and Dr. Zhiqun Zhu, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bucknell University. Dr. Hong Nong, Executive Director of ICAS, gave an opening remark and Mr. Sourabh Gupta, Head of ICAS’ Trade n’ Technology (TnT) program moderated the discussion.
On Friday, November 8, 2024, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was interviewed by Inside US Trade on the impact of Donald Trump’s victory on China’s economic policies.
On Friday, November 8, 2024, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was interviewed by CGTN’s World Insight on the 2024 U.S. presidential election outcome.
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was interviewed by South China Morning Post on the forthcoming Biden-Xi meeting on the sidelines of the November APEC Summit.
On Monday, November 18, 2024, Distinguished Fellow Denis Simon and Research Associate Yilun Zhang were interviewed by Xinhua on the Xi-Biden meeting at the APEC summit in Lima, Peru.
The Institute for China-America Studies is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to strengthening the understanding of U.S.-China relations through expert analysis and practical policy solutions.
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