Trade, tariffs and technology: CSIS’ Scott Kennedy on US-China ties under Biden and Trump

EAI Visiting Research Professor Frank Pieke speaks to Dr Scott Kennedy, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), about the evolution of US-China relations under the Biden and Trump administrations.
 
They discuss China’s potential strategic responses to Trump 2.0, including the preparation of retaliatory moves, the strengthening of its domestic economy, the expansion of international partnerships.
 
They also weigh in on how US policies on trade may inadvertently advance Chinese goals, and examine the relationship between Trump and Elon Musk and its implications for business relations with China.
 
Highlights: 
00:00 China's strategy under Trump: self-reliance, export controls, and global partnerships
06:46 The Biden administration’s approach towards technological leadership and the irony of US policies on trade inadvertently advancing Chinese goals 
13:07 Assessment of the Biden administration’s China policy 
21:32 The relationship between President Trump and Elon Musk and its implications for business relations with China 
25:22 The impact of geopolitical conflict on businesses and their responses, including diversification strategies 
29:21 EU vs. US: differing China policies on trade, tariffs, and business, with non-US firms potentially benefiting from US-targeted measures.
34:31 Chinese responses to decoupling strategies in light of US-imposed business restrictions 
 
This podcast episode was recorded on 8 January, 2025.

East Asia Pulse is a podcast produced by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It provides in-depth analyses of political, economic and strategic trends in East Asia.

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