Ep 55 - Can US-China relations remain a calm amidst the geopolitical storm?

US-China bilateral relations have, surprisingly, been an anchor of calm amidst a sea of geopolitical uncertainty in the opening innings of 2026.

• And increasingly, it looks like the seemingly fragile truce between the two countries will prove more resilient that it initially seemed – back when US President Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a trade war détente in November.

To discuss the state of play – and where things might be going – Trivium China pod host Andrew Polk is joined this week by Joe Mazur (Head of Geopolitical Research) and Even Pay (Head of Ag and Trade Policy Research).

The trio discuss:

• The notable shift in tone and approach from the Trump administration toward China
• The latest Xi-Trump call, which took place this week
• The upcoming visit to China by Donald Trump, which is set for April
• Whether America’s more aggressive policy in the Western Hemisphere is hurting or helping China’s interests in the region

Then Andrew and Even go deep on the most important domestic policy development of the week, the release of the 2026 No. 1 Document, which outlines ag policy priorities for the year.

They touch on:

• Why ag and rural policies are so important to Party leaders
• The shift toward boosting efficiency and productivity in the ag sector – as part of Xi’s wider promotion of New Quality Productive Forces
• Recent adjustments to ag and rural policy funding arrangements, and what they might mean for China’s non-urban areas