
U.S.-China relations: Insights for global business
MAY 26, 2026
The world's two largest economies are reshaping the terms of engagement for every company that operates across borders. FGS Global advises leaders navigating that complexity from offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Dubai, Brussels, London, and Washington. Our advisors help leaders interpret policy shifts, anticipate risk, and act with confidence.
Three dynamics define the current moment. Tariffs and export controls are now permanent instruments of commercial policy, with selective decoupling concentrated in semiconductors, critical minerals, and advanced technology. Beijing's April 2026 supply chain security regulation has made routine de-risking a personal legal liability for executives, granting Chinese authorities broad power to penalize foreign companies that diversify away from Chinese suppliers. And the post-Busan truce, reinforced at the May 2026 Beijing summit, signals both sides' interest in stability while structural competition continues to intensify below the surface.
For companies that view both markets as indispensable, the strategic question is how to operate across these conflicting signals. Our advisors help clients translate policy and political signals into commercial strategy, working alongside general counsel, government affairs, communications, and C-suite leaders at moments when the stakes are highest.
China’s comprehensive national power has grown significantly since 2017.”... China had been “very, very careful to pick its fights with the United States and it tried to minimize any cost to itself as it responded to American pressure. That has changed now. China now believes that it can incur friction with the United States in certain fields, at an acceptable cost to itself.”
William Klein
Recent insights
How we help
Geopolitical risk and policy intelligence
We help boards and C-suites interpret policy shifts in Washington and Beijing, assess exposure to tariffs, export controls, sanctions, and supply chain regulations, and stress-test commercial strategy across multiple scenarios. Our advisors include former senior U.S. government officials and on-the-ground specialists across Greater China.
Market entry and market positioning
We counsel companies entering, expanding, or repositioning in China, with particular focus on navigating rising consumer nationalism, the emergence of high-quality domestic competitors, and the regulatory environment for foreign firms. We also advise Chinese companies pursuing growth in the U.S. market amid heightened scrutiny of investment, technology transfer, and supply chains.
Transaction and investment communications
We support cross-border M&A, capital markets transactions, and joint ventures across U.S.-China lines, including CFIUS reviews, National Development and Reform Commission processes, and the stakeholder communications that determine whether deals close on favorable terms.
Crisis and critical issues
We work with companies facing entity list designations, sanctions exposure, supply chain investigations, exit ban risk, or politically charged disclosures. Our crisis advisors combine deep market knowledge with experience managing stakeholder pressure across multiple capitals simultaneously.
Executive and corporate reputation
We advise CEOs and senior leaders communicating with employees, investors, regulators, and the public across both markets, including the framing and sequencing of statements that resonate with one audience while remaining credible to the other.
Government and stakeholder engagement
Our advisors help companies engage with policymakers and influencers across the U.S., China, and third markets where U.S.-China competition shapes the agenda, from the Gulf and Southeast Asia to Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
In the news
Our experts are regularly sought out by leading global outlets for analysis on U.S.-China relations.
Print and digital
The Washington Post: Confident in China's power, Xi is ready to host an unpredictable Trump (May 11, 2026)
South China Morning Post: The Xi-Trump summit is over. What comes next in the U.S.-China rivalry? (May 15, 2026)
South China Morning Post: What did American allies make of Trump's trip to China to meet Xi? (May 15, 2026)
Paris Match: Xi-Trump: The summit of all dangers (May 13, 2026)
Broadcast
Phoenix TV Hong Kong: Previewing the Trump-Xi summit (April 30, 2026)
BBC Radio: Live analysis from London (May 13, 2026)
Al Jazeera Arabic: Min Washington program (May 13, 2026)
ABC News: Live evening coverage (May 14, 2026)
CBC: Live midday coverage (May 15, 2026)
Noticias Caracol: Live coverage in Spanish (May 15, 2026)

Frequently asked questions
Meet our experts
Our U.S.-China advisors include former senior U.S. government officials, policy specialists, and market strategists who guide companies through commercial, regulatory, and reputational complexity in both markets.






