The 2025 U.S.-China trade war was about far more than tariffs. According to Georgetown University scholar Evan Medeiros, it marked a structural turning point in the relationship between the world's two largest economies.

In this episode, Medeiros joins veteran journalist Roseanne Gerin to discuss his latest research paper, "A New Era of U.S.-China Interaction: From Competing to Racing," published by the National Bureau of Asian Research with support from the Hinrich Foundation. They explore how the trade conflict evolved into a broader supply-chain war, exposing vulnerabilities on both sides and reshaping competition over critical minerals, semiconductors, advanced technologies, and global manufacturing networks. Medeiros explains why the U.S. and China are now engaged in a "race for leverage," how economic interdependence is increasingly being weaponized, and what this means for policymakers, businesses, and the future of global trade. The conversation also examines China's push for self-sufficiency, America's evolving strategy toward Beijing, and the growing challenges of managing competition while maintaining coexistence.

This podcast episode was produced in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation. AFPC-USA is solely responsible for the content of this episode.