The US administration is divided on the issue of China.

According to RIA Novosti, the New York Times reported, citing unnamed officials, that the administration of US President Donald Trump is experiencing a "deep division" over strategy toward China.

The article stated: "Over the past 10 days, a number of administration officials have reported that the White House is deeply divided on how to deal with Beijing."

The New York Times explains that, after taking office, President Trump and his associates demonstrated a willingness to negotiate with China to reduce tensions in trade, Taiwan, and other areas. However, the White House's determination to win the trade war with China is threatening the possibility of such negotiations. According to the newspaper, the trade war is unfolding before different factions within the administration have had time to formulate clear positions on China.

The divisions within the White House have led President Trump's team to exhibit "strategic inconsistency" in their approach to Beijing, with some officials publicly arguing that the president is trying to force China to sign a deal by imposing tariffs, while others claim he is trying to make the American economy self-reliant.

According to Nicholas Burns, former U.S. ambassador to China, speaking to the New York Times, the two countries are currently experiencing one of the most serious diplomatic crises since relations were restored in 1979.

Accordingly, the confrontation initiated by President Trump could "damage" the relationship between Beijing and Washington – two closely linked economic systems. And ultimately, the American leader will have to choose "between an unhappy marriage and a noisy divorce" with China.