“They basically said: ‘Look, you’ve got a massive trade partner in the US that’s become a little more uncertain. During Carney’s visit the two nations signed an economic deal to tear down trade barriers and forge a new strategic relationship. Carney described China as “a more predictable and reliable partner.”However, China is not alone in eyeing new trade pacts to de-risk from the US. “Many of these countries harbor deep concerns about China’s approach to trade, its use of economic coercion, and unresolved maritime and historical disputes,” Kim said. “In the current moment, China may appear more restrained or pragmatic when compared with the Trump administration’s extreme rhetoric and actions, but Beijing’s actual behavior has not been especially reassuring.”

Source: Taipei Times January 29, 2026 17:44 UTC