In 2024, the total trade value between the U.S. and China was around $583 billion. For decades, China has been a central node in global supply chains and a primary trade partner for the U.S. However, with retaliatory tariffs and the rise of China’s geopolitical and technological influence, concerns have emerged that economic interdependence may be empowering a regime increasingly hostile to U.S. interests. Those in favor of decoupling argue the U.S. must reduce national security threats and make its manufacturing sector less reliant on Chinese supply chains. They also contend that decoupling could also give the U.S. more leverage in addressing China’s military expansion and threats toward Taiwan. Those against decoupling warn it would negatively affect global markets and harm American businesses, particularly in tech, agriculture, and retail, that depend on China as a supplier or customer. Severing economic ties could also slow innovation, hurt global progress on shared challenges, and drive China further into alliances with America’s strategic rivals.

With this background, we debate the question: Should the U.S. Decouple from China?

This debate was recorded live on April 21, 2025 at the Council on Foreign Relations and will be released on Friday, April 25th.