Much of Trump’s wish list is pie-in-the-sky. If there is any paper agreement much beyond what China offered last May, it will consist largely of empty promises that China will be unable or unwilling to keep.

The China-US trade war is ultimately a war of attrition; both sides will lose and in the end, there will be no winner. It is inevitable the trade dispute will develop into to other dimensions of investment, finance, exchange rates, high technology, and other non-trade areas.

Both countries could lift some tariffs imposed last year, and Beijing would agree to ease restrictions on American products.

The Trump administration’s negotiation pattern historically has been to escalate tensions and then agree to a modest change. We should expect nothing less in the outcome of the China-US trade negotiations.

While President Trump claims that a trade deal is close at hand, it is unclear whether the US can entice China to concede to any of its key demands. It remains to be seen whether the negotiations will be successfully resolved and, most importantly, who will gain the upper hand.

China and the US must redefine their relationship.

The March 1 deadline to complete talks with Beijing is ‘not a magical date,’ U.S. president says.

The U.S. should respect China’s right to develop and become prosperous, the Chinese government’s top diplomat says.

Trade talks remain deadlocked as Beijing refuses to eliminate coerced technology transfers or government subsidies to Chinese companies.

Trump’s second State of the Union address demonstrated his determination to pursue his America First policy, especially on trade, but also on security. A clear preference for bilateral deals and peace through strength and primacy are key elements in his strategy.