The US-China problem

The US-China problem

From Asia Specific by BBC World Service

May 12, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

The episode explores the complex relationship between the United States and China, focusing on misconceptions and political narratives ahead of a significant summit.

The relationship between the United States and China affects everything from global trade and technology to climate policy and security. But how well do the two superpowers really understand each other? Donald Trump’s visit, from 13-15 May, will be the first to China by a US president in nearly a decade. We examine the assumptions, misconceptions and political narratives shaping one of the world’s most consequential rivalries. And also explore how censorship and propaganda shape public opinion in China, whether anti-foreigner sentiment is growing, and why many Chinese people believe the West is hostile towards China. Host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC China correspondent Laura Bicker in Beijing and Zheng Yu Huang, a former White House Fellow under President Obama and former president of the Committee of 100, about what both sides want from a Trump-Xi summit. This episode was recorded on 11 May. Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region…

People in this episode

Host: Mariko Oi

Guests: Laura Bicker, Zheng Yu Huang

Topics covered

  • US-China relations
  • global trade
  • technology
  • climate policy
  • security
  • censorship
  • public opinion

Keywords

  • US-China
  • Trump visit
  • global trade
  • censorship
  • public opinion
  • anti-foreigner sentiment
  • political narratives

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC, Committee of 100, White House

Places: United States, China

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