China sold a record $53.3 billion in US Treasury and agency bonds in Q1 2024, marking a significant shift away from American assets as trade tensions with the US escalate. Analysts interpret this move as a deliberate diversification strategy, with China increasing its gold reserves to 4.9%, the highest since 2015. This trend, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions and potential tariff hikes from both the Biden administration and former President Trump, underscores China’s intent to reduce reliance on the US dollar amidst a volatile economic relationship.