The critique of Trump's China policy as incoherent overlooks broader structural issues in U.S. foreign policy that span administrations and political parties. Both Democratic and Republican leaders have struggled to develop a unified, long-term strategy toward China, often prioritizing short-term political gains over sustainable diplomatic frameworks. This pattern reflects deeper institutional weaknesses in how the U.S. formulates and executes international relations strategy.
This narrative is framed by former Biden officials and published by the South China Morning Post, a media outlet with a clear geopolitical orientation. The framing serves to reinforce the legitimacy of the Biden administration’s China policy while obscuring the extent to which both parties have contributed to the same policy fragmentation. It also risks reinforcing a binary U.S.-China rivalry narrative that simplifies complex global dynamics.
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Indigenous perspectives on U.S. foreign policy are often excluded from mainstream analyses. Many Indigenous leaders emphasize the importance of diplomacy, reciprocity, and long-term relationships, which are rarely reflected in U.S. strategic thinking toward China.
U.S. foreign policy toward China has historically been shaped by Cold War-era paradigms and ideological divides. The lack of coherent strategy in Trump’s term is not new but reflects a long-standing tendency to treat China as a geopolitical adversary rather than a complex partner in global governance.
Many countries in Southeast Asia and Africa view U.S.-China relations through the lens of economic interdependence and sovereignty. They often seek to balance engagement with both powers rather than aligning fully with either, a nuance often lost in U.S. media coverage.
Scientific analysis of U.S.-China relations is limited, though studies in political science and international relations provide evidence of recurring policy cycles and institutional inertia. These studies suggest that structural factors, not just leadership, drive policy incoherence.
Artistic and spiritual traditions in both China and the U.S. emphasize harmony and balance, yet these values are rarely integrated into foreign policy. The framing of U.S.-China relations as a zero-sum game ignores the potential for cultural and philosophical dialogue to foster mutual understanding.
Scenario planning for U.S.-China relations must account for the risks of escalating conflict and the potential for cooperative frameworks in climate, health, and technology. Current models often fail to incorporate the role of multilateral institutions and regional actors in shaping outcomes.
Voices from marginalized communities, including immigrant populations and civil society groups, are rarely included in discussions of U.S.-China policy. These groups often bear the brunt of trade wars and diplomatic tensions, yet their perspectives are systematically excluded from policy formulation.
The original framing omits the role of corporate lobbying, military-industrial interests, and bipartisan hawkishness in shaping U.S. China policy. It also lacks analysis of how U.S. domestic politics and media narratives influence public perception and policy coherence. Indigenous and non-Western perspectives on U.S.-China relations are entirely absent.
An ACST audit of what the original framing omits. Eligible for cross-reference under the ACST vocabulary.
Create a task force comprising experts from academia, civil society, and the private sector to develop a long-term, multilateral strategy for U.S.-China relations. This group should include representatives from marginalized communities and non-Western countries to ensure a more inclusive and balanced approach.
Incorporate traditional diplomatic practices from Indigenous and non-Western cultures into U.S. foreign policy training. These practices emphasize long-term relationships, mutual respect, and consensus-building, which are often absent in current U.S. China policy.
Launch educational and cultural exchange programs that foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and China. These programs should be designed in collaboration with universities, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to ensure they reflect diverse perspectives and promote empathy.
Implement institutional reforms to ensure continuity and coherence in U.S. foreign policy across administrations. This could include bipartisan oversight committees, policy review boards, and public accountability mechanisms to prevent the repetition of strategic failures.
The incoherence of U.S. China policy is not an isolated issue but a symptom of deeper structural problems in how the U.S. approaches foreign relations. Historically, U.S. policy toward China has been shaped by Cold War paradigms and domestic political cycles, often sidelining Indigenous and non-Western perspectives. Cross-cultural analysis reveals that many countries view U.S.-China relations as a complex web of interdependence rather than a binary conflict. Scientific studies highlight the role of institutional inertia and corporate lobbying in shaping policy outcomes. Marginalized voices, particularly from immigrant and diplomatic communities, are often excluded from these discussions. To move forward, the U.S. must adopt a more inclusive, long-term strategy that integrates diverse perspectives, fosters multilateral cooperation, and prioritizes systemic coherence over short-term political gains.