Tonight’s episode of Four Corners goes inside the escalating battle between the United States and China, revealing the private conversations and political manoeuvring behind one of the world’s most significant modern conflicts.
ABC’s flagship current affairs program returns tonight with the first instalment of a two-part special series from acclaimed filmmaker Norma Percy, examining the growing tensions between America and China.
The episode, titled Clash of the Superpowers, traces the breakdown in relations between the two nations following the election of Donald Trump in 2017.
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Days before Trump entered the White House, Chinese President Xi Jinping publicly championed free trade on the world stage.
But according to the program, the relationship between the two global powers shifted dramatically once Trump took office and vowed to “make China pay”.
What followed was a rapid escalation of disputes involving trade, technology, security and global political influence.
The documentary explores the calls, meetings and decisions that pushed the countries into a prolonged trade war, with nations including Australia and the United Kingdom increasingly pressured to take sides.
Drawing on first-hand accounts from people involved in key moments, the series examines how the relationship between the two superpowers has evolved over the past decade and where it may head next.
“This week on Four Corners, the first of a special two-part series by acclaimed filmmaker Norma Percy takes you inside the rooms where those decisions were made, according to the people who were there.”
“What follows is a series of calls, meetings and missteps that quickly escalate into a full-blown trade war.”
“As tensions grow, so too do the battlegrounds: technology, security and global influence all become part of the picture.”
“Allies are pressured to take sides, and countries like Australia and the UK find themselves caught in the middle.”
The program also looks at how the increasingly strained relationship between China and the United States continues to shape international diplomacy and economic policy around the world.
Four Corners: Clash of the Superpowers airs tonight, Monday 11th May, at 8.30pm on ABC and ABC iview.
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