Yin and yang: The nature of change

Our era is one of relentless transformation. From the internet and smartphones to AI, the speed and scope of change are unprecedented. Personal careers, industry structures, and international orders have all been reshaped.  

There’s no escaping these shifts. Trying to steer them to our advantage is far better than being crushed by them. At the very least, surviving these changes and waiting for the next favourable moment has become crucial.  

To navigate this turbulent world, there’s no better time to learn from the I Ching, which teaches that the only constant is change itself. Change is the law and the norm of our universe.

“I Ching” is a phonetic translation of 易经. While 经 means “classic book,” 易 carries three distinct meanings:

1. “To change”: Everything is in constant flux.  

2. “Easy”: The patterns behind these changes are simple and discernible.  

3. “Unchanging”: The principles governing change remain eternal.  

According to the I Ching, changes aren’t random or chaotic—they follow structures that can be studied. Understanding these patterns is the first step to coping with change and, ultimately, riding its waves.  

At the heart of this philosophy are yin (阴) and yang (阳), the two forces driving all change.

In I Ching, yin is represented by a broken line (--), and yang is represented by a solid line (—).

Many people have a basic grasp of yin and yang: yin as the Moon, yang as the Sun; yin as feminine, yang as masculine. These are correct but limited.  

A deeper understanding reveals yin and yang as opposing forces coexisting in every system. Yang drives change, pushing for progress, while yin preserves stability, resisting disruption. Though opposed, these forces depend on each other and can transform into one another.  

To illustrate this dynamic, let’s examine the China-US trade war.

In this trade war, the US initially embodied the yang force—proactive and intent on changing the status quo.  

Here’s what happened: In 2018, citing unfair trade practices, the Trump administration imposed high tariffs on a significant portion of Chinese imports. The trade war erupted, sending shockwaves through China. In 2019, the US escalated further, slapping tariffs on even more Chinese goods.  

At that time, the US’s yang force seemed unstoppable. China, cast as the passive yin force, focused on preserving itself and minimising damage. While China retaliated by imposing tariffs on some US exports, its response was measured and limited. Some analysts saw this as evidence of China’s limited leverage, given it exported far more to the US than it imported.  

When Biden took office in 2021, the yang force persisted but shifted focus. Tariffs largely remained, but the administration prioritised technology restrictions, like export controls on advanced semiconductors and AI technologies. The “small yard, high fence” strategy targeted critical sectors to maximise pressure on China.  

China, still in a defensive yin role, implemented controls on rare earth exports but avoided aggressive countermeasures. This reinforced perceptions of limited retaliatory options, as the US dominated as the world’s tech powerhouse. Many believed it would take China decades to catch up.  

But the tide turned in 2025. When Trump returned to office, his administration introduced sweeping tariffs on all Chinese imports. Yet, this time, something shifted dramatically. The DeepSeek moment revealed that China’s AI technology was not as far behind the US as assumed. What followed was that China responded Trump’s tariffs and sanctions assertively, imposing strict export controls on rare earth elements, disrupting US electronics and defence industries. It also halted all purchases of US soybeans.  

This marked a reversal. China’s bold actions signalled a transformation: the yin force became the proactive yang, while the US was forced into a defensive yin position. The US has lost its soybean market and a significant AI chip market, while China’s overall exports have grown despite a sharp decline in US-bound shipments.

The situation is stabilised in early November 2025, as I am writing this article. Leaders of both countries, Xi and Trump, just concluded a meeting in South Korea, agreeing a framework for both countries to move forward. It shows that the lopsided tariff situation in 2018 has turned into a balanced power play with each concession being meticulously matched by the other side, plus 10% reduction in the tariff on China.

If we have learned anything, it is that it is not the end of the history. The yin and yang forces will never rest. And the trade relationship between the US and China will continue to evolve.

The I Ching teaches that change arises from the interplay of yin and yang—forces that oppose yet depend on each other, constantly transforming into one another.  

To apply this wisdom, consider both forces in your own life:  

• If you’re initiating change (yang), anticipate resistance (yin). Respect this opposing force and leave room for it.  
• If you’re in a defensive position (yin), perseverance is key. It builds strength and creates opportunities to shift the balance.  
• Above all, avoid unipolar thinking. When strong, don’t overlook others’ strengths. When weak, don’t dismiss your potential to grow strong.  

The wisdom of the I Ching lies not in remaining dominant forever but in understanding how forces shift and transform. No force stays on top indefinitely. 

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