High-stakes trade negotiations between the US and China kicked off this week in France, running from March 14 to 17 – and all eyes are on whether the world's two largest economies can avoid another cycle of confrontation. Yale historian Odd Arne Westad, a Cold War expert, tells NewspaperAmigo why 'managed competition' might be the relationship upgrade we need in 2026.
The TikTok Cycle: Confrontation ➡️ Decoupling ➡️ Repeat?
Westad compares recent US-China tensions to a viral dance trend everyone knows but wants to quit: 'We’ve seen tariffs, tech bans, and 'de-risking' strategies dominate headlines since the late 2010s. But what if instead of trying to force alignment on everything from Taiwan to TikTok, we focus on specific win-wins?'
Three Ground Rules for a New Playbook
The professor’s blueprint for 'managed competition' includes:
🛑 Stop treating every disagreement as existential
🌱 Prioritize climate tech collaboration
💡 Keep AI governance talks separate from trade disputes
Why Gen Z Should Care
With 65% of global smartphone components made through cross-Pacific supply chains, Westad notes: 'Your next iPhone update, EV battery breakthrough, or carbon credit app could hinge on whether these talks build bridges – or walls.'
As negotiations continue through Sunday, one thing’s clear: In 2026’s multipolar world, the US and China are still writing the rules. 🔥
