Former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns discussed the current state of relations between the United States and China in an interview on NPR's Morning Edition on January 1, 2026. The discussion focused on trade tensions, tariffs, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

The interview addressed the trade disputes that escalated last April when then-President Trump increased tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory tariffs from China on U.S. exports. At one point, tariffs imposed by both countries affected over 100 items. In October, a partial agreement was reached where the U.S. reduced some import taxes in exchange for China postponing export restrictions on rare earth minerals.

Burns highlighted the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship, noting that while some progress had been made on trade, tensions remained, particularly concerning U.S. policy toward Taiwan. The U.S. selling weapons to the self-governing island continues to be a point of contention between the two nations.

The discussion provided context on the ongoing strategic competition between the U.S. and China, encompassing economic, political, and military dimensions. The relationship is characterized by both cooperation and competition, with areas of mutual interest such as climate change and global health often overshadowed by disagreements over trade practices, human rights, and regional security.

The future trajectory of U.S.-China relations remains uncertain, with analysts suggesting that both countries will need to navigate these complex issues carefully to avoid further escalation and maintain stability.