Trump is sowing division in his own backyard, threatening to hit even the European Union (EU) with tariffs - all in his first month in office. His actions may have other US allies wondering what is in store for them.
In contrast, China will want to appear a calm, stable and perhaps more attractive global trade partner.
"Trump's America-first policy will bring challenges and threats to almost all countries in the world," says Yun Sun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Centre.
"From the perspective of US-China strategic competition, a deterioration of US leadership and credibility will benefit China.
Art of the deal