What lies ahead for US-China Relations?
It has been clear in recent weeks that US-China relations have been marked by escalating tensions, primarily driven by renewed trade hostilities under President Donald Trump’s administration. The US’ introduction of sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 20% levy on a broad range of goods, are part of a broader strategy to reduce the US trade deficit and encourage domestic manufacturing. In response, China has retaliated with tariffs on US agricultural products and has signalled its readiness to “fight to the end” in this trade war.
Despite these aggressive policies, both nations are exploring avenues for de-escalation. China has indicated a willingness to reduce tariffs on select US goods, such as semiconductors and medical equipment, though it insists that any negotiations must be based on mutual respect and fairness. President Xi Jinping has announced domestic economic reforms aimed at mitigating the impact of the trade war, including measures to boost domestic consumption and support for enterprises. However, the outlook remains uncertain, with experts warning that the conflict could extend beyond trade into areas like investment and finance, potentially reshaping the global economic landscape.
Chartwell represents some key global voices who can help navigate these uncertain times.
Cheng Li is an expert on Chinese leadership politics and author of 17 books, including ‘Middle Class Shanghai’. He is Founding Director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at Hong Kong University.
James Rubin served as US Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs (1997-2000). More recently he has been advisor and strategist to government on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the China challenge.
James Crabtree is a geopolitical analyst and has served as Distinguished Fellow at the European Council of Foreign Relations since 2024. He is columnist for Foreign Policy and was previously Director of the Asia branch of the IISS.
Victor Gao is a leading voice on China’s global strategy. He is Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization and Chair Professor at Soochow University. As a Yale-trained lawyer, he advises on energy and foreign affairs.
Leslie Vinjamuri is a specialist in US foreign policy. She became President and CEO of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in 2025 having previously directed Chatham House’s US and Americas Programme.
John Mearsheimer is a political scientist renowned for his theory of offensive realism. Since 1982, he has served as the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago.
Keyu Jin is an economic advisor and expert on China’s economy. A Harvard-trained economist, she served as a tenured professor at LSE (2009–2024) and is author of ‘The New China Playbook’ (2023).
Raj Bhala is an authority on international trade law, holding the Brenneisen Distinguished Professorship at KU Law since 2017. He is the author of 13 books including ‘Trade War’ (2024).
Ian Bremmer is a political scientist and founder of Eurasia Group which focuses on global political risk. He coined the term “G-Zero” to describe a leaderless global order and is the author of ‘Us vs Them: The Failure of Globalism’ (2019).
Demetri Sevastopulo is the US-China Correspondent at the Financial Times. With over two decades at the FT, he has held key roles including Washington Bureau Chief (2015–2021) and Asia News Editor.
Matthew Pottinger is a journalist who served as US Deputy National Security Advisor (2019–2021). Today he is the Chair of the China Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
If you would like to book any of the above speakers, please get in touch.