Trump’s China dealings will lean on billionaires like Elon Musk for backchannels: analysts

President-elect’s transaction-based approach to diplomacy could see informal behind-the-scenes dialogue with Beijing coming to the forefront

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Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk speaks during a rally for Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on October 5, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Khushboo Razdanin Washington,Kawala Xiein WashingtonandLaura Zhouin Washington

Published: 7:53am, 12 Nov 2024Updated: 4:46am, 13 Nov 2024

US president-elect Donald Trump is likely to tap a roster of billionaires – Elon Musk, Stephen Schwarzman, Steve Wynn and Linda McMahon – along with some trusted Washington policy wonks to steer his freestyle diplomacy with Beijing, analysts said.

These powerful figures are expected to play outsize roles as Trump prepares for a high-stakes second term, including tariffs of up to 60 per cent or more on Chinese imports that the president-elect has promised.

In sharp contrast to outgoing President Joe Biden’s methodical approach to issues like trade, technology and Taiwan, Trump’s China strategy in the transition and first 100 days is likely to emphasise informal, transaction-focused backchannel deal-making.

China experts anticipate that Trump will rely on business and policy professionals with mainland experience, rather than more hawkish ideologues. However, he may still pick more hardline figures to shape overall foreign policy and national security.

Meanwhile, Beijing will seek both authoritative and unofficial channels with Trump’s new team, with figures like former economic tsar Liu He, who signed a trade deal in the first Trump administration, set to play a quiet but influential role, they added.

However, some analysts have questioned the effectiveness of backchannels if Beijing perceives Trump’s initial stance as hostile.