United States–China: Between Economic Rapprochement and Persistent Rivalry.

As a guest on La Semaine de l’Éco on France 24, Sandrine Zerbib-Wang, founder of ZW Conseil and a specialist in the Chinese market, analyzes relations between the United States and China in the context of Donald Trump’s official visit. Despite a warm welcome and several trade commitments, tensions between the world’s two leading powers remain significant.

According to Sandrine Zerbib-Wang, relations between Washington and Beijing must be viewed from both an economic and a strategic perspective. The two countries have an interest in maintaining their trade relations, but they remain engaged in intense competition. Businesses are directly affected by this situation, as political decisions, tariffs, and diplomatic tensions can quickly change the conditions of international trade.

China remains a major economic power, but its relationship with the United States has become more complex. Behind announcements of cooperation and trade agreements, several issues continue to fuel tensions. Taiwan, geopolitical concerns, and economic and technological competition make it difficult to speak of any genuine and lasting easing of tensions.

Sandrine Zerbib-Wang’s analysis also highlights the importance of pragmatism in relations between the two powers. Even when they are politically opposed, China and the United States continue to share common economic interests. Companies must therefore learn to operate in an environment where cooperation and competition can coexist.

Donald Trump’s visit to China can therefore be seen as an attempt to renew dialogue and encourage trade. However, it does not mean that the rivalry between China and the United States has disappeared. The real challenge will be whether the two countries can preserve their economic relationship while managing their many disagreements.

According to Sandrine Zerbib-Wang, this confrontation cannot simply be reduced to the idea of an inevitable clash between Washington and Beijing. Above all, it reflects a new global balance in which the two powers must defend their interests, negotiate, and learn to coexist.