This episode examines the increasing friction in US-China relations. Our guest, Dr. Lu Xiang, analyzes the primary factors behind the souring ties, and why the signing of the Phase 1 trade deal was not enough to buoy the relationship. Dr. Lu speaks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bilateral relations, and the role he sees US domestic politics playing in exacerbating tensions. He also looks at the future of US-China relations and what circumstances would allow for the relationship to stabilize moving forward.

Dr. Lu Xiang is the Director for Research at the Hong Kong-based Chinese Institute of Hong Kong, an affiliate of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). Dr. Lu was previously a senior researcher at the Institute of American Studies and the Institute of World Economics and Politics at CASS. From 2012-2013, Dr. Lu was a visiting fellow at CSIS. His research focuses on national strategic communications, world and US politics, Chinese foreign policy, and Hong Kong-related issues.