Thinking About ChinaOpinionThe US–China Phase One Fake OutThe first phase of new trade relations has been tentatively agreed to, but how effective will it really be?00CopyFacebookXTruthGettrLinkedInTelegramEmailSavePrintU.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping shake hands during a business leaders event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 9, 2017. Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty ImagesJames Gorrie12/18/2019|Updated: 12/18/2019CommentaryIs the “phase one” of the trade deal a new beginning in relations between Washington and Beijing?We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.Share this articleLeave a commentJames GorrieAuthorJames Gorrie is the author of the 2013 book “The China Crisis” and discusses current events and China on his YouTube Podcast, The Banana Republican. Author’s Selected ArticlesJapan Accelerates Defense Spending to Counter China ThreatOct 29, 2025Former Chinese Official Threatens US With ‘Devastating Consequences’Oct 27, 2025China’s Shift to Debt Collector in Developing Countries—From Lender to Loan SharkOct 27, 2025China Envisions ‘Dry Canal’ to Compete With Panama CanalOct 20, 2025Related Topicsu.s-china trade warstructural changesphase one trade deal