Victory in a trade dispute is often elusive and hollow, so I don’t credit U.S. President Donald Trump for “winning” against China. Instead, I commend his pragmatic flexibility, a skill that sets him apart in high-stakes diplomacy.

In March 2025, when tariff threats on US$200 billion in Chinese goods failed to yield quick concessions from Beijing, Trump swiftly de-escalated by shifting to bilateral talks, averting a potentially damaging trade war. This adaptability, though born of a risky strategy, reflects a leadership quality worth recognizing. Read on to explore how this pivot underscores Trump’s pragmatic approach and its broader implications.