January 12, 2017

"During his election campaign, Donald Trump was popular in China not only among nationalistic netizens, but also with some academic researchers and commentators. It was believed that since he was a successful businessman and a pragmatist, he would not be stubborn on the so-called 'political correctness' in US, especially on topics like democracy and human rights, and hence China and the US would have more opportunities to cooperate on substantial issues. However, his recent tweets and interviews have evoked a new introspection in China, that is, even if the US has abandoned the 'orthodoxy,' it remains to be seen whether this will be a blessing or a curse for Beijing. Having a president who will unravel the diplomatic rhetoric between the US and China, the US has more chances to encounter Beijing in a more direct way, yet this does not mean that the two great powers are ready to challenge each other’s core national interests in an unlimited way.  

Trump has found a new way to inform his Chinese audiences. Through Twitter, he has revealed his attitude by criticizing China on the South China Sea, bilateral trade, and currency manipulation, yet nothing is as dangerous and destructive as the Taiwan issue. No matter how inexperienced Trump is in Washington, it must have been impossible for his advisers not to have briefed him about Taiwan’s significance to China and the potential catastrophic results of playing this card with Beijing. But instead of cooling down the issue, this dramatic businessman is still taking further steps. Why? Probably the reason for his behavior is that he believes he is playing “the Art of the Deal.” As a great negotiator, he believes he can bargain a good price for Taiwan. "

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