US-China trade war

New US-China trade agreement won't reset strained ties

Partial agreement not seen to go the distance as experts worry over implementation and discrepancies in narratives

Chinese President Xi Jinping with French President Emmanuel Macron and others at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Nov 5 last year. While it may look like China has had to make more concessions for the US-China phase one deal, it cou
Chinese President Xi Jinping with French President Emmanuel Macron and others at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Nov 5 last year. While it may look like China has had to make more concessions for the US-China phase one deal, it could well be a strategic move that will bear fruit in future. PHOTO: REUTERS
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The long-awaited trade pact may have been touted by both sides as proof that even the biggest rivals can strike a deal, but this partial agreement will not go the distance in resetting already strained ties.

Tech decoupling will continue as the United States thwarts China's technological rise and the Chinese race to find self-reliance.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on January 19, 2020, with the headline New US-China trade agreement won't reset strained ties. Subscribe