The United States' relationship with China has had its ups and downs over the decades. The current and future status is unclear with Donald Trump as president. The Trump administration has not presented a coherent explanation of how it views China, what kind of relationships it seeks to cultivate, or how it intends to operate. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay To be sure, the president has been less than consistent, from suggesting that Taiwan could be used as a pawn, to saying he would consult with Chinese President Xi before engaging Taiwan's leaders. From touting his personal chemistry with President Xi to admonishing Beijing for doing “NOTHING” against North Korea. And from attacking China for offering American jobs at lower prices, to embellishing China's modest concessions on market access. But for all the administration's shortcomings, Trump's trump card has been his personal relationship with Xi Jinping. The Mar-a-Lago, Florida, meeting in March 2017, while focused on building personal bonds rather than resolving diplomatic relations, was well conceived and well executed. Trump has gained genuine respect and respect for Xi, and Xi has learned to appreciate his personal relationship with Trump as well. Focusing on North Korea has also kept U.S.-China relations on track. The Trump administration was right to urge China to be more active. Through intense engagement and the credible threat of sanctions against Chinese companies, the U.S. government has achieved some gains with China: the implementation of a coal ban, support for tougher sanctions from the United Nations, and a increased inspection of Chinese trade crossing the border with North Korea. . Going forward, Beijing's willingness to cooperate with the United States will depend on China's confidence that the Trump administration knows what it is doing, that it is aware of China's interests on the Korean Peninsula, that it is not provoking a difficult situation with a incendiary rhetoric, and which does not risk launching into a planned or unplanned war. Business attitudes have also waxed and waned over the past year. After weeks of fiery campaign rhetoric (including promises to name China a currency manipulator immediately after being sworn in and the imposition of 45% tariffs on imports), initial interactions with the Chinese have been, overall, positive. Keep in mind: This is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The current administration should look back at the priorities that previous administrations have placed on improving U.S.-China relations. Some of these include the South China Sea and human rights. U.S. options in the South China Sea tend to involve military deployments, exercises, and freedom of navigation operations. But U.S. prestige and impact in Southeast Asia depend on visible involvement and leadership on South China Sea issues, so accordingly there must be a diplomatic component that complements the work of the Pacific Command. On human rights, Trump has taken the position that the United States must balance its concerns with other issues not only in China but around the world. The world looks to the US-China bilateral relationship for signs of stability or tension, and observers cannot forget that the relationship, like any relationship, does not.