The U.S.–China Trade War: A Religious and Cultural Perspective

A striking parallel between the two nations is the nostalgic undercurrent in their leaders’ core slogans: China’s “The Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation” and the United States’ “Make America Great Again.” Both evoke a longing for a “golden age,” but the historical touchstones they reference reveal profound cultural differences.

For the United States, the idealized past centers on the late 20th century—particularly the 1950s (post-WWII prosperity, social stability), 1980s (economic expansion, technological innovation), and 1990s (Cold War victory, balanced budgets). These eras were defined by outward momentum: the U.S. led global institutions, avoided major wars, and positioned itself as a beacon of liberal values. The nostalgia here is for a time when American influence was unchallenged, and its identity as a “global leader” felt unshakable.

For China, the “golden age” reaches back over 2,000 years to the Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. These periods were marked not by territorial expansion into distant lands, but by internal unity, cultural brilliance, and strong centralized governance. The Qin Dynasty, for example, unified China for the first time, standardizing writing, currency, and laws—and building the Great Wall not to conquer, but to protect its borders. This emphasis on internal cohesion over external expansion reflects a cultural priority that has persisted through millennia: China sees itself as a “Middle Kingdom” (Zhongguo), a civilization to be preserved rather than a power to be projected aggressively.

Ironically, in the trade war, these historical instincts have reversed. The U.S.—once the champion of globalization—has adopted inward-looking policies: tariffs to protect domestic industries, border walls to restrict immigration, and withdrawal from international agreements. China, meanwhile, has embraced outward engagement: the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand global trade, increased investment in developing nations, and calls for multilateral cooperation. This role reversal is not accidental; it is a reflection of how each nation’s cultural heritage adapts to changing global circumstances—but the underlying values (U.S. dynamism, China’s focus on stability) remain intact.

The United States: Christianity as a Driver of “Movement”

Christianity is not just the dominant religion in the U.S.—it is a foundational force that has shaped its national identity, values, and global posture. Its core tenets—belief in a single Creator, salvation through faith, grace, love for neighbors, and a call to service—have translated into a worldview defined by movement: spiritual mission, exploration, and a desire to “transform” the world.

Key Christian beliefs that align with American values include:

1. Universalism: Christianity teaches that its message is for all humanity, not just a single group. This has mirrored the U.S.’s self-image as a “city upon a hill”—a model for other nations to follow, from its founding as a haven for religious refugees to its 20th-century role as a promoter of democracy.

2. Mission and Expansion: Christianity spread globally from its Middle Eastern origins to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. This “outward momentum” parallels America’s history of westward expansion, immigration-driven growth, and technological innovation. Even secular U.S. institutions—from tech companies to NGOs—carry this ethos: a belief that they can (and should) solve global problems.

3. Redemption and Progress: Christianity emphasizes human imperfection (sin) and the possibility of renewal (salvation). This has shaped America’s narrative of itself as a “work in progress”—one that confronts its flaws (slavery, inequality) and strives for a more perfect union. In global terms, this translates to a belief in “progress through action”—whether through trade, diplomacy, or military intervention.

   
   

Historically, Christian empires (Roman, Spanish, British, and later the U.S.) have not just spread goods, but ideas: democracy, individualism, and free markets. For the U.S., trade has never been purely economic; it has been a tool to promote its values. The trade war, in this sense, is not just about tariffs—it is a reaction to China’s rise challenging the U.S.’s role as the “global standard-bearer,” a role deeply tied to its Christian mission of “spreading light.”

China: Daoism as the Foundation of “Stillness”

Unlike the U.S., China does not have a single dominant religion. Instead, its cultural identity is shaped by a syncretism of traditions—Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism—with Daoism serving as the quiet, underlying force of stillness: harmony with nature, balance, and acceptance of life’s rhythms. Daoism is not a “religion” in the Western sense (it has no divine deity or formal church), but a philosophy of existence that permeates daily life: from Chinese medicine and acupuncture to the emphasis on “going with the flow” (wu wei) in personal and political life.

The core of Daoism is the “Dao” (the “Way”)—a nameless, formless cosmic principle that governs all existence. As the Qingjing Jing (Scripture of Purity and Stillness) states: “The Great Dao has no form; it births Heaven and Earth. The Great Dao has no will; it moves the sun and moon. The Great Dao has no emotion; it nurtures all the universe.” This is not a god, but a force of balance—like the Christian “God” or Islamic “Allah” in its role as a unifying cosmic order, but without the anthropomorphic traits of a divine ruler.

Key Daoist principles that shape China’s approach to the world include:

1. Wu Wei (Non-Action): Not “doing nothing,” but acting in alignment with nature’s flow. For China, this means avoiding unnecessary conflict and focusing on long-term stability. The trade war, from China’s perspective, is not a battle to “defeat” the U.S., but a challenge to be navigated with patience—like a river flowing around a rock.

2. Yin and Yang (Balance of Opposites): The world is defined by complementary dualities (light/dark, active/passive, expansion/stability). China sees the trade war not as a zero-sum game, but as a phase in a larger cycle of balance. Its response—calibrated tariffs, emphasis on domestic consumption, and BRI expansion—is an attempt to restore equilibrium, not dominate.

3. Ziran (Naturalness): Authenticity comes from being true to one’s nature. For China, this means honoring its history of internal cohesion. Unlike the U.S., which often ties trade to values (e.g., human rights), China frames trade as a practical, neutral endeavor—aligned with Daoism’s focus on “what works” over “what is morally right.”

   
   

It is critical to note that Confucianism also plays a role here: its emphasis on hierarchy, respect for authority, and social harmony complements Daoism’s focus on balance. Together, these traditions explain China’s preference for centralized governance, long-term planning, and avoiding confrontation—traits that have guided its trade war strategy.

Parallels Beneath the Differences

At first glance, Christianity and Daoism seem opposites: one is a religion of movement and mission, the other a philosophy of stillness and balance. But they share profound spiritual common ground—ground that could defuse the trade war.

Both traditions emphasize:

• Humility: Christianity teaches that humans are imperfect and dependent on God’s grace; Daoism teaches that humans are part of the Dao, not its masters. For the U.S., this means acknowledging that its global influence is not infinite; for China, it means recognizing that its rise must not disrupt global balance.

• Repentance and Reflection: Christianity calls for confession of sin and renewal; Daoism calls for self-examination to align with the Dao. Both nations could benefit from this: the U.S. might reflect on how its “missionary” approach to trade has alienated allies, while China might reflect on how its economic practices (e.g., state subsidies) have fueled distrust.

• Compassion: Christianity teaches “love your neighbor as yourself”; Daoism teaches harmony with all living things. Translated to trade, this means prioritizing shared prosperity over zero-sum gains—whether through lowering tariffs, reforming intellectual property rules, or cooperating on climate change.

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These parallels challenge the narrative that U.S.–China conflict is “inevitable.” The trade war is not a clash of civilizations, but a clash of misunderstandings: the U.S. sees China’s rise as a threat to its “mission,” while China sees the U.S.’s tariffs as a violation of its “right to stability.” Recognizing their shared spiritual values could shift this dynamic from confrontation to collaboration.

Toward a Compassionate Resolution

In 2025, the trade war remains a stalemate: the U.S. struggles with political polarization and manufacturing job losses, while China grapples with a real estate crisis and slowing export growth. Both nations face domestic pressures that risk escalating tensions—but their cultural and religious roots offer a way forward.

For the U.S., this means reconnecting with Christianity’s core value of compassion over mission. Instead of framing trade as a battle for “American greatness,” it could frame it as a partnership for shared prosperity—aligning with the Christian call to “serve the poor” (e.g., through fair trade agreements that benefit developing nations, including China’s rural communities).

For China, this means leaning into Daoism’s emphasis on balance. Instead of viewing U.S. tariffs as an attack on its sovereignty, it could see them as a signal to adjust its economic model—reducing state subsidies, improving intellectual property protection, and opening its markets further. This would not be a “defeat,” but an act of wu wei—aligning with the natural flow of global trade.

Ultimately, the trade war is a test of whether two great nations can honor their cultural heritage while embracing their shared humanity. Christianity and Daoism both teach that truth is not found in conquest, but in connection. By recognizing that their “differences” are just two sides of the same cosmic coin—movement and stillness, mission and balance—the U.S. and China can turn conflict into cooperation.

History is not a story of inevitable war; it is a story of choice. The U.S. and China can choose to let their religious and cultural roots divide them—or let those same roots unite them in a shared vision of global harmony. The path forward is clear: not to erase their differences, but to honor them—as the Dao teaches, “harmony comes from embracing duality.”