Sinocism Live Sinocism live on US-China relations with the FT’s Demetri Sevastopulo
Mar 17, 2026
Demetri Sevastopulo, FT U.S.-China correspondent with deep Asia reporting experience. He unpacks why Trump's China trip was delayed and who is shaping China policy. Short takes on trade goals, export controls, Taiwan arms packages, and regional allies’ responses. Plus a look at the political optics influencing high-stakes diplomacy.
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Trump Delayed China Trip For Domestic Optics
- Trump delayed his China trip primarily for domestic optics because active military action in Iran would make an overseas summit politically damaging.
- Demetri cites Trump's own comments and advisers like Susie Wiles plus the risk of an embarrassing moment (e.g., US sailors in danger) during a state visit.
Paris Talks Had Done The Heavy Lifting
- Paris trade talks had largely finished before Trump's delay, so immediate trade deliverables were largely intact.
- Demetri says delay gives both sides extra bandwidth to flesh out agreements that weren’t fully ready by end-March.
Bessent And Greer Drive China Policy
- Scott Bessent and USTR Jameson Greer are running China policy inside the administration, not traditionally hawkish figures like Marco Rubio.
- Demetri notes Rubio is focused elsewhere and the NSC is smaller and less powerful on Asia.