The US-China-India triangle

Why political rivalry and economic cooperation coexist in Sino-American, Sino-Indian and Indo-US ties

Political foes can have strong economic ties. The strength or weakness of trade ties between countries does not hinge on politico- intellectual affinity clubs. Indeed, authoritarian China, the largest trading partner of democratic America and India, is simultaneously the main security threat to both in Asia. Even during the Obama presidency, these trends were visible in the US-China, US-India and India-China ties. Donald Trump’s recent visit to China confirmed the trends — as have Indo-US ties since he became president of the US. 

US-China ties

Trade and investment are Trump’s methods of choice to place “America first”, which is about