Trump and China: Looking into crystal ball

Tim Webster

Tim Webster, assistant Professor of Law and Director of Asian Legal Studies at Case Western Reserve University.

"In the present election cycle, Donald Trump has far exceeded his Democratic rival in at least one measure: attacks on China. While announcing his candidacy last June, Trump asked, "When was the last time anybody saw us beating, let's say, China in a trade deal? They kill us. I beat China all the time. All the time." In fact, most experts agree that China's accession to the WTO — which the Clinton team negotiated — was more difficult than that of any other country. Not that the Clinton administration would say they "beat" China."

Zhang Wei

Zhang Wei, professor at China University of Political Science and Law

"As a business person, Donald Trump's thinking is naturally different from traditional US politicians. So, theoretically, Trump would bring more new ideas to the US political system, which could be a good thing. Plus, Trump knows how to do business with other countries, which could do good to economic ties between China and US."

Thomas Schaller

Thomas Schaller, political Science professor at the University of Maryland

"In the Trump presidency, I expect he could be a bit more aggressive about trade deals. Trade relations would be different not just from the Obama tradition, but also from the Republican traditions including the Bush administration."