Trump Softens Toward China, Reshaping Alliances

President Trump has pursued a softer China policy through late 2025 and early 2026, easing tariffs, loosening semiconductor export controls, and striking deals such as a TikTok U.S. ownership arrangement finalized in March 2026. Analysts warn his personalized diplomacy—including scaled-down Taiwan engagement and talks with Xi in October 2025—raises national-security concerns and could shift economic leverage toward Beijing.