Donald Trump ran for president in 2016 on a hard-line, tough-on-China platform. Since getting elected, he has used a revolving door of foreign policy advisers and taken just about every possible different position on the Asian nation.

The administration’s policy toward Beijing has been nothing short of bewildering, even to the Chinese government.

China’s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, was asked on Fox News Sunday about what he makes of Trump’s combination of pro- and anti-China aides. He responded that neither he nor the other ambassadors to the United States have really figured it out.

“Are you clear who President Trump listens to on trade issues — whether it’s moderates like [National Economic Council director Larry] Kudlow or [Treasury Secretary Steve] Mnuchin or hardliners like [White House National Trade Council director Peter] Navarro?” host Chris Wallace asked.


“You tell me,” Ambassador Cui replied. “Honestly, I’ve been talking to ambassadors of other countries in Washington, D.C., and this is also part of their problem. They don’t know who is the final decision-maker. Of course, presumably, the president will take the final decision, but who is playing what role? Sometimes it could be very confusing.”

This confusion is understandable. In less than two years, Trump has already lost a White House Chief of Staff, a Secretary of State, a chief strategist, a director of the National Economic Council, and numerous other key positions.

And his positions on China and trade have seemed to swing back and forth depending on who he spoke with last, alternately praising the country as a great friend and attacking it with harsh words and tariffs.

When a car is sent to the United States from China, there is a Tariff to be paid of 2 1/2%. When a car is sent to China from the United States, there is a Tariff to be paid of 25%. Does that sound like free or fair trade. No, it sounds like STUPID TRADE – going on for years! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 9, 2018

China and the United States are working well together on trade, but past negotiations have been so one sided in favor of China, for so many years, that it is hard for them to make a deal that benefits both countries. But be cool, it will all work out! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2018

I will be speaking to my friend, President Xi of China, this morning at 8:30. The primary topics will be Trade, where good things will happen, and North Korea, where relationships and trust are building. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 8, 2018

China and the United States are working well together on trade, but past negotiations have been so one sided in favor of China, for so many years, that it is hard for them to make a deal that benefits both countries. But be cool, it will all work out! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2018

On China, Barriers and Tariffs to come down for first time. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 21, 2018

Our Trade Deal with China is moving along nicely, but in the end we will probably have to use a different structure in that this will be too hard to get done and to verify results after completion. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 23, 2018

All of the fools that are so focused on looking only at Russia should start also looking in another direction, China. But in the end, if we are smart, tough and well prepared, we will get along with everyone! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 18, 2018

…..China has been taking advantage of the United States on Trade for many years. They also know that I am the one that knows how to stop it. There will be great and fast economic retaliation against China if our farmers, ranchers and/or industrial workers are targeted! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 18, 2018

While Trump would likely claim that this is part of his strategy to keep the world guessing, it is really just inconsistent and incoherent policy — and China knows it.