Deteriorating U.S.-China Relations and 

Prospects for Changes in China's Policy toward the U.S.

Dr. LEE Seong-hyon

Director, Center for Chinese Studies,

The Sejong Institute

sunnybbsfs@gmail.com

English Abstract

The Trump administration is adding all-out pressure on China, including trade, technology, military, and even the student visas. It is also restricting Chinese diplomats’ access to American universities. Against the backdrop, attention is drawn to the fact that China’s Politburo member Yang Jiechi, State Councilor Wang Yi and Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Cui Tiankai, have all recently made similar public messages, stating that Beijing wishes to “return to normal” in its relations with Washington. Some media outlets hastily interpreted the three Chinese officials’ message to the U.S. as China’s gesture for “compromise." The key, however, is to discern whether the Chinese government’s message would indicate a shift in its policy toward the U.S.