U.S.-China talks on key issues face uncertainty as Trump prepares to take office

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will take office amid a reset in U.S.-China relations, previously improved by President Biden and President Xi Jinping. Ongoing talks on defense, fentanyl, climate change, and economic issues may face uncertainty under Trump's leadership. Improved military communications have helped ease tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. However, analysts worry that these channels could be disrupted, especially after past military tensions following U.S. political actions regarding Taiwan. Cooperation on fentanyl trafficking has seen progress, while climate diplomacy may falter if Trump withdraws from the Paris Agreement again. Economic discussions are ongoing, but concerns exist that they could be halted under a Trump administration.