A year into Trump presidency, 'pivot to China' gathers pace

This picture taken on January 18, 2026 shows vehicles for export at a port in Yantai in China's eastern Shandong province. Chinese shipments to the US fell 20 per cent in 2025, but rose 25.8 per cent to Africa, 7.4 per cent to Latin America, 13.4 per cent to South-East Asia and 8.4 per cent to the European Union last year. - AFP

BEIJING/HONG KONG: When US President Donald Trump took office a year ago with an "America First" agenda, many saw trouble for China's sluggish economy, but Beijing has thawed frosty relationships with other trade partners to post a record trade surplus.

While Trump's policies have strained ties with traditional US allies, China has turned its focus to fostering ties with key partners, including Canada and India, analysts say.