Biden’s China ambassador predicts ‘deal’ not ‘war’ over tariffs

Published April 3, 2025 10:05am ET



Frightening predictions of a trade war with China over President Donald Trump’s new tariffs and Beijing’s response to U.S. “bullying” are being downplayed by the former Biden-era ambassador to Beijing.

Longtime diplomat Nicholas Burns said Trump’s move on Wednesday was likely an opening bid in the new administration’s path to a trade deal and a renewed friendly relationship between the president and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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